Microsoft gets Java developers jumping

Just days after settling its Java lawsuit with Sun Microsystems, Microsoft has announced a set of tools and services aimed at luring Java developers onto the .Net platform.

The service, called Jump (Java user migration Path) to .Net, uses independently developed technology and does not require a licence from Sun, said Microsoft.

Java developers can create XML-based services by using Microsoft's Visual J++ Java tools to modify and migrate existing developments to the software giant's C# (C sharp) language.

Also included is a set of programming tools that allows developers to use the Java language syntax to directly target the .Net platform. The tools will be available in the second half of this year.

Sanjay Parthasarathy, vice president of platform strategy at Microsoft, said integration is fundamental to the .Net initiative. "With Jump to .Net, the Java language joins over 20 other programming languages from Microsoft, including C#, Cobol, SmallTalk and Perl, plus third party vendors supporting the .Net platform."

Microsoft will also provide paid migration consulting services and work with third-party consultants to help Java developers move to Microsoft .Net.

Earlier this week, Microsoft agreed to pay $20m to settle a three-year Java lawsuit brought against it by Sun. The settlement allows Microsoft to use Java in existing products, such as Internet Explorer, and those currently at a testing phase, for the next seven years.

Rob Enderle, an analyst at Giga Information Group, said: "The settlement makes it very clear what Microsoft's path will be. We can be sure it is going to have something in this space and be backed by the majority of developers."