Apple and Microsoft to Unify Java Technologies for the Macintosh

Will Work Together to Ease Developer Access to Native Mac OS Services; Improvements in Java Performance, Robustness Expected in Future Java Virtual Machine

Cupertino, California and Redmond, Washington--March 11, 1998--Apple Computer, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. today announced plans to converge their Java technologies for the Macintosh to create a single Java Virtual Machine (VM) for the Mac OS. The unified VM will be based on Apple's Mac OS Runtime for Java (MRJ) and will incorporate a variety of Microsoft technologies for Java. Currently, both companies offer Java VMs for the Mac OS. The companies' cooperation on Java technology promises to advance the performance, robustness and functionality of Java support for the Macintosh and promote greater consistency for Java implementations across Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating system-based computers.

As part of the plan, Microsoft expects to license to Apple a variety of technologies including aspects of Microsoft's J/Direct API technology for incorporation into MRJ. This will allow software developers to create applications that meld the productivity of the Java language with the native capabilities of Mac OS. Apple expects to incorporate this functionality into a future version of MRJ later this year. Once MRJ fully supports these technologies, Microsoft Internet Explorer for the Macintosh will rely exclusively on MRJ as its Java Virtual Machine.

"This collaboration will allow Apple to continue to provide a Java-compatible VM while incorporating additional Microsoft technologies to deliver the best possible Java experience for our customers," said Avie Tevanian, senior vice president Software Engineering at Apple Computer, Inc. "Apple's recent Java work delivered significant advances with MRJ 2.0, and today's announcement will mean that our customers and developers can look forward to an even more robust and high performance Java environment on Macintosh."

"Macintosh customers and developers have greatly benefited from Microsoft's performance leadership and innovative Java technologies," said Don Bradford, general manager of Internet Products for the Macintosh at Microsoft. "Working with Apple promises to bring even better support for the Java programming language to both developers and Internet Explorer users on the Macintosh."

The following are primary areas of cooperation between the two companies:

JDirect Harmonization. Apple will extend the capabilities of its JDirect technology by incorporating applicable features of Microsoft J/Direct to enhance native language access and provide consistency for development tools. JDirect gives Java developers direct, high performance access to native Macintosh system services such as QuickDraw, AppleEvents, contextual menus, drag & drop and TrueType fonts.

Security Zones. The companies will integrate the Microsoft security administration technology for Java with other Internet security options to provide a simple and consistent model for managing security preferences.

Debugging. The companies will integrate the Microsoft VM debugging API into MRJ, exposing a rich and consistent set of debugging capabilities to Java development tools like Metrowerks CodeWarrior. This API will also support debugging across languages, allowing developers to build applications using multiple programming languages.

Compatibility test suites. The companies will exchange their internal compatibility test suites to facilitate consistency and compatibility with real-world Java applications.

"Given our strong development relationships with both Apple and Microsoft as a technology provider for Java and C/C++, we are delighted by this agreement," said Greg Galanos, president and chief technology officer of Metrowerks, Inc. "The movement toward one Java VM on Mac OS is a definite win for the Macintosh developer and customer. We're looking forward to supporting the new JDirect and debugging capabilities on the Macintosh."

Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission - to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.

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.

Press Contacts:
Russell Brady
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-6877
email: brady2@apple.com
Bill Schneider
Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft
(503) 245-0905
email: bills@wagged.com
Dagmar Glier
Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft
(503) 245-0905
email: dagmarg@wagged.com

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