Microsoft releases compliant Java Virtual Machine

Microsoft Corporation on Monday unveiled a new version of its Java VirtualMachine (JVM) that it says complies with the preliminary injunction thatforced it to make this release. The new Microsoft JVM offers support forSun's Java Native Interface (JNI), a major sticking point in the battlebetween Sun and Microsoft over Java. Leave it to Redmond to put a positivespin on things.

"By addressing the key customer requirements for faster performance and better integration with the rest of the computing environment, we've beenable to make Windows the best place to run Java applications," said Tod Nielsen, general manager of developer relations at Microsoft. "We want togive developers the broadest choice in using Java to meet unique customerneeds and achieve success in the marketplace."

Oh, and a preliminary injunction made us do it. There's that too.

Microsoft claims that the latest release of its JVM is still the fastestJava environment available. JNI joins Microsoft's proprietary (and lawsuitworthy) Raw Native Interface (RNI) and J/Direct as ways to "help developersmeld the productivity of the Java language with native services in Windowsand software written in other languages." In other words, the ability to write Windows-specific Java programs is still in there.

To download the new Java Virtual Machine, or just to get more information,please visit Microsoft's Java Web site