MSFT Internet Explorer vs. NSCP Navigator Message Board

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Technology Stocks : MSFT Internet Explorer vs. NSCP Navigator

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To: Gerald R. Lampton who wrote (10651)	7/1/1997 8:12:00 PM
From: Carlos Blanco	of 24154

>When is Microsoft going to build a browser in Java? The choice of development language is dictated by a combination of advantages, disadvantages, and business requirements. Currently Java has more disadvantages than advantages for building large-scale applications like a browser. Additionally our browser strategy is not based on 100% platform reach but on specialized, focused implemetations for the top 5 or 6 platforms. That said, we are not religious but practical--groups across the company are keeping a close eye on Java and will use if and when it makes good business sense. But that's not the case today for complex applications (see below). >Why doesn't Bill Gates like Java the platform? I can't speak for him but can give you my opinion. I don't think anyone here dislikes Java or the notion of getting something (x-platform) for nothing. However, in practice, Java overpromises and underdelivers, and does not magically remove programming tradeoffs that have always existed. The only independent test I've seen of some of Java's claims is in www8.zdnet.com. If you look at the "How We Tested" section, you'll notice that "Write Once Run Anywhere" actually translates to "Write Once Run in 30% to 50% of VMs". This is not a problem that will necessarily be solved over time. In computer science we learned that guaranteeing that two programs (e.g. VMs) will behave identically is mathematically impossible. >Why does Microsoft not turn Windows over to a standards body? I would say that since we have poured 10+ years of work and capital into it, you'd have to give me some pretty good reasons as to why we should consider doing such a thing. Normally for-profit companies do not give away their intellectual property, unless greater benefit for the company can be gained from doing so or the monetary value of the propery is negligible (not the case with Windows, since it still generates substantial revenue). Some of these questions are probably best answered over a much longer conversation, but I hope the short answers here at least give you a general feel. --Carlos

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