The fight over the establishment of international standards for free and open use of the revolutionary computer language Java, which would allow users to access the Internet using any operating system without the need for established browsers such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, is set to move from the United States to Europe. In the ongoing dispute between Sun Microsystems, the creators of the Java language, and Microsoft, which is trying to gain the right to develop a Windows version of it, Sun has side-stepped existing obstacles, by applying to the European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) for international recognition of Java language for the Internet.
The open standard for which Sun is seeking international recognition, would mean programs written in Java would run on any operating system or platform. The implications of "write once, run everywhere" language for the Internet industry are huge.
Dr Barry Smith of the Computer Science Department at University College Dublin said: "It's critical that Java as a language is kept open. If it is kept free of control, it will make the costs of developing new software far lower which will significantly bring down the costs for users.
"Java is not that different from other computer languages but it has a major advantage in that it has been carefully tailored for the Internet. "It has portability across platforms meaning computer scientists and developers will be able to develop applications in Java which will work on any operating system. It also means easier and cheaper access for users of the Internet."
If accepted, the new standard could have a major effect on Microsoft's sales as it will enable users to access the Internet from any operating system, potentially posing a serious threat to the software giant's share of the Internet browser market.
However, the effort by Sun may be seriously damaged by three recent preliminary judgments in the ongoing litigation between the two companies which leaned in favour of Microsoft. Judge Ronald Whyte said that although the amended version of Java, which Microsoft has already developed, is unacceptable, there is nothing to stop Microsoft from developing its own "clean room" version of Java and marketing it under another name.
Sun originally applied to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) for world standardisation. However, according to Mr David Harrah, head of Group Worldwide, Sun's PR company, following lobbying by Microsoft and its partners, the ISO insisted that the future development and enhancement of the language be put in its hands. This was unacceptable to Sun which has invested large amounts of money in the development of Java.
Sun had secured a preliminary injunction against Microsoft last November to stop the company developing a version of Java which would be incompatible with any other operating system.
Sun alleges that Microsoft has broken the agreement between the two which was to guarantee an open standard for Java. However, the preliminary judgment in the case could indicate that Microsoft may be able to develop a Windows-only version which would destroy the hopes for Java.
Sun Microsystems is now submitting the Java technology to the ECMA which has almost 40 years' experience as an international information and communications technology standardisation body.
This clever side-step may lead to Sun's version of Java being accepted by the ISO as the international standard as the ECMA is a Class A ISO liaison. However, it may or may not prevent Microsoft from developing its own version which would be incompatible with the original language thus blocking open access from any hardware platform. The move has led to criticism from some sectors of the science community who claim Sun may be trying to control Java's development. Microsoft said that following the pullout by Sun from the process of the ISO world body, the issue of ISO standardisation was no longer an issue.
But Sun's decision to seek ECMA approval was welcomed by the organisation's secretary general, Mr Jan van den Beld. "The Java community uses an efficient, collaborative process for defining and enhancing the Java technology. This Java Community Process, paired with ECMA's proven standards process will ensure that Java technology's rapid innovation is followed by the stability that is the hallmark of international standards."
Unlike Microsoft, Sun shared control over the product and its development with its partners, to convince potential licensees that Sun would not dominate the Java platform the way Microsoft does Windows. This, however, has made it difficult for Sun to convert its language to its commercial advantage. The case comes before the ECMA on June 24th with the saga set to continue.
