SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Recognizing the need to provide a smooth transition for current users of the Microsoft(R)Java Virtual Machine (MSJVM), Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) and Microsoft Corporation today have announced an agreement under which Microsoft will extend its support for the MSJVM until September 30, 2004. In addition, Sun and Microsoft have agreed to include links on Microsoft's http://www.microsoft.com/java Web site that will provide upgrade information and assistance to customers and developers currently using the MSJVM. In a settlement agreement reached in January 2001 to resolve a dispute over Microsoft's distribution of its Java(TM) implementation, Sun and Microsoft agreed to limit the duration of Microsoft's use of Sun's source code and compatibility test suites to support the MSJVM. Because some developers and enterprises have expressed concern about their ability to eliminate dependencies on the MSJVM in the time period originally provided, Sun and Microsoft have agreed to a longer period to permit a smooth transition from the MSJVM. Over the past months, both companies have been engaged in significant efforts to facilitate the transition away from the MSJVM. Microsoft has continued the process of phasing out the MSJVM in its products. Both Sun and Microsoft have provided technologies and support programs to simplify the transition to current technologies. "At Sun, the needs of our customers are of paramount concern," said Rich Green, Vice President, Sun Developer Platforms Group, Sun Microsystems. "Industry-wide replacement of the MSJVM may be a significant undertaking. This agreement gives customers who require it more time to make the transition, with assurance that Microsoft will continue repairing any critical concerns in the MSJVM while the transition is underway." "We are very pleased that we and Sun have been able to join together to protect the interests of our mutual customers," said Chris Jones, Microsoft Vice President for the Windows(R) Client Division. "This agreement is in direct response to our customers' request for more time to manage the transition, and to their need for continued support of the MSJVM. Customers now have a year to identify MSJVM dependencies and implement their migration strategies. Microsoft is committed to supporting our customers with the MSJVM, migration tools and transition information throughout this period."