Microsoft and Sun Agree on Maintenance License for MSJVM

Customers of the Microsoft Virtual Machine for Java to Be Supported for Another Year

REDMOND, Wash. -- Oct. 7, 2003 --Recognizing the need to provide a smooth transition for current users of the Microsoft Virtual Machine for Java (MSJVM), Microsoft Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. today announced an agreement under which Microsoft will extend its support for the MSJVM until Sept. 30, 2004. In addition, Microsoft and Sun have agreed to include links on Microsoft's http://www.microsoft.com/java/ Web site that will provide upgrade information and assistance to customers and developers currently using the MSJVM.

In a settlement agreement reached in January 2001 to resolve a dispute over Microsoft's distribution of its Java implementation, Microsoft and Sun agreed to limit the duration of Microsoft's use of Sun's source code and compatibility test suites to support the MSJVM. Because some developers and enterprises have expressed concern about their ability to eliminate dependencies on the MSJVM in the time originally provided, Microsoft and Sun have agreed to a longer period to permit a smooth transition from the MSJVM.

Over the past months, both companies have engaged in significant efforts to facilitate the transition away from the MSJVM. Microsoft has continued the process of phasing out the MSJVM in its products. Both Microsoft and Sun have provided technologies and support programs to simplify the transition to current technologies.

"We are very pleased that we and Sun have been able to join together to protect the interests of our mutual customers," said Chris Jones, vice president for the Windows® Client Division at Microsoft. "This agreement is in direct response to our customers' request for more time to manage the transition and to their need for continued support of the MSJVM. Customers now have a year to identify MSJVM dependencies and implement their migration strategies. Microsoft is committed to supporting our customers with MSJVM migration tools and transition information throughout this period."

"At Sun, the needs of our customers are of paramount concern," said Rich Green, vice president of the Sun Developer Platforms Group at Sun Microsystems. "Industrywide replacement of the MSJVM may be a significant undertaking. This agreement gives customers who require it more time to make the transition, with assurance that Microsoft will continue repairing any critical concerns in the MSJVM while the transition is under way."

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