Microsoft will Woo Sun’s
Java Users
Microsoft’s search
distribution deal with Sun Microsystems is to offer MSN Toolbar carrying
Microsoft Live Search, to U.S.-based Internet Explorer users. They’ll
have the option to download MSN Toolbar when they download the Java
Runtime Environment (JRE).
Thus, users can also have
access to news, entertainment, sports, etc. from the MSN network and
direct access to Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger.
"This agreement with Sun
Microsystems is another important milestone in our strategy to secure
broad-scale distribution for our search offering, enabling millions more
people to experience the benefits of Live Search," said Yusuf Mehdi,
senior vice president of the Online Audience Business at Microsoft.
"With the vast array of Java software-based Web applications that are
downloaded every month, this deal will expose Live Search to millions
more Internet users and drive increased volume for our search
advertisers."
With more than 6.5 million
Java software developers around the globe, Java is one of the most
widely available and popular software platforms, believes Microsoft. It
is already present on 91% of Internet-connected PCs worldwide. The Java
Runtime Environment is one of the highest-volume consumer downloads on
the Web, with tens of millions of downloads each month, says Microsoft.
"With over 800 million Java
desktop users around the world, our goal is to provide Java users with
compelling and immersive business and consumer solutions powered by Java
technology and value-added solutions from world-class software
partners," said Rich Green, executive vice president of Software at Sun
Microsystems. "Our customers expect top-quality products when they
choose to download technology from Sun, and we are confident that they
will find great value in both Microsoft's MSN toolbar and Live Search."
Though Microsoft and Sun are
rivals in the software market, Microsoft has approached Sun to see an
increased market share in the online search business. Currently, web
majors Google and Yahoo! are dominant players in the search segment.
