MICROSOFT HOSTS OPEN DESIGN PREVIEW OF JAVA REFERENCE IMPLEMENTATION FOR
WINDOWS

Leading Vendors Participate in Early Technology Preview of Java Integration
with ActiveX

REDMOND, WASH. - MAY 24, 1996 - Microsoft Corp. last week hosted the first
design preview of the Java Reference Implementation for the Microsoft
Windows operating system. The Java Reference Implementation enables Java
applets to run seamlessly on Windows. The Java reference implementation in
Windows enables developers to create rich, powerful Internet applications
while still taking advantage of their existing investments and favorite
development tools. Developers will be able to write Java applets that work
with ActiveX Controls written in languages that include C and C++, thus
taking advantage of existing investments in knowledge and code. Developers
can also use Java to create ActiveX Controls that work with ActiveX
Controls written in other programming languages. All of these will run
seamlessly on the Java reference implementation in Windows.

The design preview was a technical discussion with leading development
tools vendors and Java developers to propose specifications and receive
feedback on the Java reference implementation. Attendees included
engineers from Java licenser Sun Microsystems Inc.; development tools
vendors such as Borland International Inc. and Symantec Corp.; and Java
developers such as Starwave Corp., Asymetrix Corp., DimensionX and
others.

MICROSOFT PROVIDES SPECIFICATIONS FREELY

At the preview, Microsoft described details on the integration of Java with
ActiveX technologies and Java performance improvements in the reference
implementation. Microsoft also announced that it would make available the
interface specifications for the JIT (just in time) compiler for Java.
Microsoft will provide sample JIT source code to assist other vendors in
developing JIT compilers that work seamlessly with the Java reference
implementation. Java tools vendors will thus be able to plug their JIT
compilers into the Java reference implementation, providing choice to
developers.

"Borland is pleased to be involved in Microsoft's Open Review Process for
this key technology," said Jonathan Rosenberg, vice president of
development, C++ and Internet products at Borland. "The work Microsoft is
doing to integrate the Java language and ActiveX is very compelling for
developers for Windows, and we look forward to participating with
Microsoft in the evolution of the Java technology."

"We received a very positive response and an amazing amount of technical
feedback from the attendees," said John Ludwig, vice president in the
Internet platforms and tools division at Microsoft. "By working together
in an open manner, we can fundamentally enhance users' Internet experience
with a rich Java implementation integrated with ActiveX."

MICROSOFT TO PROVIDE SOURCE CODE TO SUN FOR DISTRIBUTION TO JAVA LICENSEES

After incorporating appropriate feedback received at the design preview,
Microsoft plans to publicize fully all interface specifications once they
are completed this summer. Microsoft will also provide the source code for
the Java reference implementation for Windows to Sun so that Java
licensees can receive the source code from Sun.

MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER TO BRING JAVA, ACTIVEX INTEGRATION ON WINDOWS,
MACINTOSH

Users will be able to run Java applets integrated with ActiveX Controls
using Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0, which will be available on the
Windows family of operating systems and Macintosh platforms later this
year. Earlier this month, Microsoft announced an agreement with Metrowerks
Inc., the leading Macintosh tools vendor, to provide integration of Java
and ActiveX on the Macintosh.

MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR ACTIVEX

This announcement builds on Microsoft's earlier announcements, such as that
with MetroWerks, about enabling Java and ActiveX integration. Microsoft
introduced ActiveX technologies in March to thousands of developers
attending the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference - Building
Internet Applications. ActiveX technologies make it easy for the broadest
range of software developers and Web designers to build dynamic content
for the Internet and the PC. More than 100 ISVs already ship products that
support ActiveX today, and many more are developing such products.

Through ActiveX technologies, static Web pages come alive with a new
generation of active content, including animation, 3-D virtual reality,
video clips and other multimedia content. ActiveX technologies embrace
Internet standards and are being delivered on multiple platforms, giving
users a rich, open framework for innovation while taking full advantage of
their investment in applications, tools and source code.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of
products and services for business and personal use, each designed with
the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take
advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
 
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