Microsoft snubs Java platform

Microsoft's decision to snub support for Java in its Windows XP operating system has led to a bitter war of words with rival Sun Microsystems.

Analysts say the move will create unnecessary complexity. Users will now have to download or pre-build a Java virtual machine (JVM) to take advantage of the Java-based sites used by many businesses.

Phil Cross, developer products marketing manager at Microsoft, blames legal disputes with Sun as the reason for dropping JVM. 'We wanted to innovate openly, but as a result of the settlement we were not allowed to include JVM,' he said.

But Sun claims Microsoft will be able to distribute the technology in its software for seven years. 'Microsoft intended to hurt consumers and the millions of developers that use the Java platform. Microsoft's attempts to neutralise the innovations brought to the web by the Java platform are widely known,' said a Sun statement.

Despite Microsoft's public snub, Sun remains adamant it will continue to make new Java technologies available to Windows users.