Microsoft on deadline to include Java in XP
InfoWorld | at | by Mike
A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that Microsoft has 120 days to begin shipping Sun Microsystems' Java technology with its Windows PC operating system. Motz granted Microsoft's motion to delay his Java order so the company could appeal his decision. Motz stayed his order for two weeks so that the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, has a chance to look at his decision.
Microsoft lawyer Steven Holley argued that Sun's wording of the "must-carry" order is vague and could require Microsoft to carry Sun's JVM in its server operating systems, a market in which Microsoft does not have a monopoly, he said. He also expressed concerns that the order would require Microsoft to carry Sun's Java on older versions of Windows other than Windows XP and in the Internet Explorer browser. The .Net Framework is an optional install for original equipment manufacturers in the newer operating system.
Holley also argued that Sun only offers its Java software in nine languages, while Microsoft's Windows is distributed in 34 languages. He suggested that Microsoft should not be required to distribute Sun's Java unless Sun could provide it in all 34 languages because the discrepancies would cause confusion among Microsoft's non-U.S. consumers. "[Sun has] asked to be part of Windows, that's the cost of the ride," Holley said. The Microsoft attorney asked Motz to give Microsoft up to 180 days to offer Sun's Java in an upcoming service pack for Windows XP.