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Technology Stocks : Microsoft - The Evil empire -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: cheryl williamson who wrote (457)	12/11/1997 7:04:00 PM
From: cheryl williamson	Read Replies (4) \| Respond to of 1600

When SUNW first decided to license Java technology to MSFT, it was Scott M's idea. Many people, both inside & outside of SUNW thought it would be a mistake. MSFT would try to "steal" the technology, they would "embrace & extend" the way they do with everyone else. Why let them in on a good thing anyway?? In hindsight, I can see two really good reasons: 1. MSFT behind the product would give it credibility & exposure to the general public, a requirement for it to succeed. 2. Licensing the technology to MSFT prevented them from developing their own version, which, because of MSFT's anti-trust oriented behavior would have crushed Java out-of-the-box. Additionally, SUNW wasn't so stupid as to give away the farm. They signed a deal with MSFT & handed over the code, an early version, with the requirement that MSFT remain in compliance with the 100% pure Java initiative. Scott M. must have suspected that MSFT would NOT stay in compliance (they didn't), and try to "embrace & extend" Java their own way (they did), then sit back & say "tough luck Scott, if you don't like it, sue us! (ha,ha,ha!!!)". SUNW said, "ok, we're going to sue you for damages, request that you not be allowed to use the Java logo, cancel your license, and, by the way, you're not getting any more source code." Interestingly enough, at about the same time, SUNW announced that it was going to provide a "compatibility product" for Windows users that would insure 100% pure Java compatibility. Then there were a flood of announcements of upgrades to the JVM, JDK, Javabeans for Servers, deals with embedded clients, etc. etc. Gee, it seems like the best of the JDK is yet to come & MSFT, now tied up in litigation over their license with SUNW isn't privy to any of it. What a shame! On top of that, Bill G. doesn't even have an answer for Java other than the truly pitiful "Windows CE". SUNW can sit on their suit & countersuit from MSFT & let the lawyers from both sides have at it. SUNW's in no hurry with the courts, they have the initiative & the momentum building on their side. Unlike Netscape, their market isn't going to be challenged by MSFT, so they don't have to wait for the Feds to decide on what to do with the thieves from Redmond. I wonder why they're acting childishly now??? Are they getting nervous?? They should be, it would be a healthy reaction to a very real threat to their hegemony. I haven't heard too much from the MSFT boosters here @SI about "stealing" Java away from SUNW anymore. They're going to have to conceed this one to SUNW. It seems like Mr. McNealy is a pretty savvy businessman. cheers, cherylw