Microsoft gets license to develop Java clone

NEWS Microsoft has won its first victory the legal wrangle with Sun Microsystems over the future of Java. Judge Ronald Whyte yesterday clarified the issue of independent Java development, confirming that the company is free to develop a 'clean room' implementation of Java. That means Microsoft can create a Java-like language as long as it does not use Sun's source code or trademarks. The ruling gives Microsoft the license to give up on Java and go its own way. The company has already hinted that it may move its business plan in that direction. According to Simon Moores, chairman of the Research Group, Microsoft only has two other options. "It can tow the line, become a good citizen and fully embrace Java - but that doesn't seem to be the preferred choice. Or if they win the case, they can develop and dilute Java so that Java itself fragments." If Microsoft drops Java, Moores explained, "It's back to the old VHS versus Betamax war." Moores felt that such a move would be a real danger for Sun. The market tends to wait for Microsoft, he said, when it says it's coming up with a rival technology. "Microsoft is the master of spreading fear and uncertainty," he commented. "It can beat its rivals to death with vaporware." The Java trial is scheduled to start next month.