MS fails to reach Java summit
Microsoft has blamed a date clash for the cancellation of its Java summit last weekend, which was intended to promote the supplier's views to 100 of the most influential developers.
Around 100 developers and customers were due to be flown in for an all-expenses paid trip to Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington on 5 and 6 December. But on 2 December, the guests were informed that the summit was postponed.
With the software giant currently involved in a legal dispute with Sun Microsystems over its use of Java, the summit would have been a major propaganda vehicle for Microsoft's view of the world.
Microsoft blamed its cancellation on scheduling conflicts with next week's Internet World show in New York, claiming there were people on the invitation list who would not be able to attend because they had to go to the Internet World show.
But with the first court hearing on the dispute with Sun held at the end of last week, some observers speculated that Microsoft was not keen on having to explain events to so many influential people, especially if the hearing does not go to plan.
The invitation list was drawn up according to individuals' activities to support the Java community, covering areas such as conference attendance and activities, user groups and managing online forums.
The Microsoft invitation said: 'We would like the chance to 'set the record straight' on how Java is supported by Microsoft and how it fits into our platform, tool and technology strategy. We believe that your attendance and feedback at this briefing is important to the future of Microsoft's Java strategy.'
The legal wrangle between Sun and Microsoft began in October when Sun upped the stakes in the software war by suing Microsoft for allegedly breaching its Java licence in the latest release of Internet Explorer (PC Dealer, 15 October).
In a suit filed in the US district court of San Jose, California, Sun accused Microsoft of trademark violation, false advertising, breach of contract and unfair competition.