Microsoft makes Java contract with Sun public

Microsoft Corporation has posted its Java contract with Sun to its Web site, effectively making the agreement public knowledge. Microsoft hasposted the entire contract, along with a set of questions and answers tohelp explain the terms of the contract. Most interesting are the ways itdirectly addresses Sun's complaints. For example, the contract does notspecifically say that Microsoft must ship the JNI, a major complaint fromSun. As for Sun's complaint that Microsoft "changed Java classes," theMicrosoft FAQ points out a clause in the contract that grants Microsoft"irrevocable rights to modify and adapt the licensed technology."

Apparently, Sun had attempted to keep the lawsuit private, so that itcould wage a public PR battle with Microsoft while seeking $35 millionin damages.

The entire contract, along with other documents relating to it and Sun'ssuit, can be found on the Microsoft Corporate Information page.

Interestingly, Sun later posted a copy of the contract to the JavaSoftWeb site but its version doesn't try to explainthe language of the agreement or point out where Sun's claims are validated.