Microsoft ran from shade as Java flourished in Sun

Microsoft saw Java as such a threat that top executives sought to make deals with key companies in that space before Sun Microsystems could get to them, according to internal Microsoft documents.

The software giant saw dealing with Java as 'a top priority'. Bill Gates, chief executive of Microsoft, even commented in an email subpoenaed by Sun that 'Java scares the hell out of me'.

Microsoft sought to acquire, invest in or partner various organisations to 'take mindshare away from Sun'. This led to the purchase of DimensionX - which Sun was close to buying, according to Sun documents - and the signing of Java-oriented contracts with Metrowerks, Apple, Hewlett Packard and Fujitsu, according to US reports.

Microsoft was also concerned about Intel's Java projects and looked at ways to encourage the processor manufacturer to scale down its efforts.

During 1996 and 1997, Intel had worked with Sun on several initiatives, including a Java Media Framework to provide cross-platform developers with specifications to add sound and graphics to their Java packages.

In mid-1996, Intel started work on its Jmedia Player, a developers' kit for the Framework that was optimised for Intel-based hardware. But it quietly axed the project two months ago, citing 'changing Java market conditions' as the reason. Sun confirmed it was no longer working with the chip giant on any multimedia-related projects.

These actions are believed to have stemmed from Microsoft's strategy, as set out in another email, of letting the 'Java (developer tools) space fragment, so that write-once, run-anywhere does not happen'. When cross-platform Java offerings failed, Microsoft hoped to drive its Windows-dependent Java products out 'to a broad installed base'.

Microsoft insists this policy does not break the law and comes within the bounds of its licensing agreement with Sun.