Sun refuses to hand over Java

Responding to an open letter from Intel, Microsoft, and other industryheavyweights, Sun Microsystems has refused to relinquish its control overthe Java programming language. Calling the letter a "public relations game," Sun also declined to respond to specific issues raised by the letter.

"Microsoft is recognizing the handwriting on the wall and that Sun's response to the ISO will be well received," said Sun's George Paolini. "Theletter is timed to coincide with the ISO meeting in Ottawa this week, and Microsoft has decided to play this out in the press."

In the letter, Intel, Microsoft, Digital, and Compaq asked Sun to let theISO take control of Java. Sun, however, wishes to retain the Java trademarkand control over future revisions of the "Java standard." Many companiesoppose this stance, because it gives Sun too much power over Java. For Javato be truly open, Sun would have to give up control completely