The Java programming language, developed by Sun in 1995, is
popular with internet-based applications because it allows
programmers to develop applications compatible with many types of
computers, regardless of the platform on which they run. But a
computer needs a JVM to run programs that are written in Java.
The dispute began when Microsoft decided to drop Sun's JVM from
its Windows XP product. Sun sued, claiming that Microsoft had also
forced developers to distribute products incompatible with Java. As
a result, according to Sun, developers turned to Microsoft's .Net
platform.
Together with the lawsuit, Sun asked the court to issue a
temporary order requiring Microsoft to ship JVM with each copy of
Windows XP and Internet Explorer. Sun argued that, if it waited
until the case was heard, it would be left far behind in the
competition.
The court granted the order two days before Christmas, reasoning
that Microsoft had gained an unfair advantage. Microsoft appealed
the order and, in February this year, a federal appeals court
agreed to temporarily suspend the order, until the appeal itself
was heard.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia ruled
on Thursday that Microsoft will not have to continue supporting
Sun's JVM. Microsoft can continue distributing its own JVM in
Windows – but the court said that to offer it separately through
computer makers or through other channels as a stand-alone product
would breach the terms of a 2001 licensing agreement with Sun.
Last week's ruling dealt with injunctions; it is by no means
that final word on the case, which could still go to trial.
Microsoft had also filed counterclaims alleging that Sun had
violated a settlement reached in 2001 between the two companies
over Java.
