Microsoft SDK for Java Attracts More Than 50,000 Developers In Nearly Two Months

Helps Developers Build More Compelling Java Applications

REDMOND, Wash. - Dec. 11, 1996 - Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Microsoft® Software Development Kit (SDK) for Java is achieving widespread acceptance from developers seeking to create world-class Java applications. Since the SDK was introduced on Oct. 15, 1996, more than 50,000 copies have been downloaded from the Microsoft Web site.

The Microsoft SDK offers developers a rich collection of tools, class libraries, sample code and full documentation to aid productivity and speed the development of more sophisticated Java applications. It also includes Microsoft's CAB file technology, which enables more rapid and secure delivery of Java applications and the latest version of the Microsoft Virtual Machine for Java, which has been widely acclaimed by developers and trade press as the fastest, most reliable and fully compatible way to run Java applications.

"The debugging interfaces provided in the Microsoft SDK for Java are instrumental to delivering the state-of-the-art debugging capabilities in our forthcoming Java development product, code-named 'Starbuck,'" said Rob Veitch, director of product development for the languages division at Powersoft. "We're delighted to see Microsoft taking such a leadership role with unique and valuable support for Java developers."

"The Microsoft SDK for Java is a treasure trove for the Java developer," said Karl Jacob, president of Dimension X. "Liquid Motion Pro gets a significant performance gain from the CAB file technology, and Liquid Reality uses DirectX technology to give our customers a turbo-charged ride through 3-D worlds with surround sound, integrated video clips and richly detailed scenes."

"The CAB file technology in the Microsoft SDK for Java reduces the download size of FutureTense's Texture viewer by 75 percent, which means the initial customer experience is about four times faster," said BC Krishna, vice president of technology at FutureTense Inc. "Plus, the support for digitally signing CAB files allows us to ensure the integrity of the code our customers download over the Internet."

The Microsoft SDK for Java includes the following elements:

• The Microsoft JVC compiler to generate code up to 10 to 15 times faster than the equivalent products from other companies
• The Microsoft Just-in-Time (JIT) compiler to improve the execution speed of Java up to 15 to 20 times and provide the fastest way to run Java applications, based on independent benchmarks
• CAB file packaging and compression tools to significantly speed the download of Java applications and class library code by end users
• Class libraries for fonts and menus to support construction of more refined user interfaces
• DirectX API technology to enable high-speed graphics in Java
• Tools and sample code to integrate Java applications with software written in other programming languages using native code interfaces or the language-independent Component Object Model (COM)
• Tools allowing the creation of standalone Java applications that can run without a browser
• The industry's only full UNICODE support for creating global Java applications
• Open interfaces and sample code for debugging and JIT interfaces of the Microsoft Virtual Machine for Java

The SDK is designed to work with any Java development tool, such as Microsoft
Visual J++™ development software. Borland International Inc., Metrowerks Inc. and Powersoft have previously announced plans to support the SDK with their development tool products.

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, DirectX and Visual J++ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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