Microsoft Hosts Open Design Preview Of Java Reference Implementation for Windows

Leading Vendors Participate in Early Technology Preview of Java Integration with ActiveX

REDMOND, Wash. - May 24, 1996 - Microsoft Corp. last week hosted the first design preview of the Java Reference Implementation for the Microsoft® Windows® operating system. The Java Reference Implementation enables Java applets to run seamlessly on Windows. The Java reference implementation in Windows enables developers to create rich, powerful Internet applications while still taking advantage of their existing investments and favorite development tools. Developers will be able to write Java applets that work with ActiveX™ Controls written in languages that include C and C++, thus taking advantage of existing investments in knowledge and code. Developers can also use Java to create ActiveX Controls that work with ActiveX Controls written in other programming languages. All of these will run seamlessly on the Java reference implementation in Windows.
The design preview was a technical discussion with leading development tools vendors and Java developers to propose specifications and receive feedback on the Java reference implementation. Attendees included engineers from Java licenser Sun Microsystems Inc.; development tools vendors such as Borland International Inc. and Symantec Corp.; and Java developers such as Starwave Corp., Asymetrix Corp., DimensionX and others.

Microsoft Provides Specifications Freely

At the preview, Microsoft described details on the integration of Java with ActiveX technologies and Java performance improvements in the reference implementation. Microsoft also announced that it would make available the interface specifications for the JIT (just in time) compiler for Java. Microsoft will provide sample JIT source code to assist other vendors in developing JIT compilers that work seamlessly with the Java reference implementation. Java tools vendors will thus be able to plug their JIT compilers into the Java reference implementation, providing choice to developers.

"Borland is pleased to be involved in Microsoft's Open Review Process for this key technology," said Jonathan Rosenberg, vice president of development, C++ and Internet products at Borland. "The work Microsoft is doing to integrate the Java language and ActiveX is very compelling for developers for Windows, and we look forward to participating with Microsoft in the evolution of the Java technology."

"We received a very positive response and an amazing amount of technical feedback from the attendees," said John Ludwig, vice president in the Internet platforms and tools division at Microsoft. "By working together in an open manner, we can fundamentally enhance users' Internet experience with a rich Java implementation integrated with ActiveX."

Microsoft to Provide Source Code to Sun for Distribution to Java Licensees

After incorporating appropriate feedback received at the design preview, Microsoft plans to publicize fully all interface specifications once they are completed this summer. Microsoft will also provide the source code for the Java reference implementation for Windows to Sun so that Java licensees can receive the source code from Sun.

Microsoft Internet Explorer to Bring Java, ActiveX Integration on Windows, Macintosh

Users will be able to run Java applets integrated with ActiveX Controls using Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0, which will be available on the Windows family of operating systems and Macintosh® platforms later this year. Earlier this month, Microsoft announced an agreement with Metrowerks Inc., the leading Macintosh tools vendor, to provide integration of Java and ActiveX on the Macintosh.

Momentum Builds for ActiveX

This announcement builds on Microsoft's earlier announcements, such as that with MetroWerks, about enabling Java and ActiveX integration. Microsoft introduced ActiveX technologies in March to thousands of developers attending the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference - Building Internet Applications. ActiveX technologies make it easy for the broadest range of software developers and Web designers to build dynamic content for the Internet and the PC. More than 100 ISVs already ship products that support ActiveX today, and many more are developing such products.

Through ActiveX technologies, static Web pages come alive with a new generation of active content, including animation, 3-D virtual reality, video clips and other multimedia content. ActiveX technologies embrace Internet standards and are being delivered on multiple platforms, giving users a rich, open framework for innovation while taking full advantage of their investment in applications, tools and source code.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft, Windows and ActiveX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

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