Live Search piggybacks on Java's popularity

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 11 November 2008 08:23

Your IT - Home IT

The days when Sun and Microsoft were at each other's throats are long gone. The latest development in their lovey-dovey relationship for the 21st century will see Sun help promote the use of Live Search.

There was a time when then Sun CEO Scott McNealy could be relied on for a verbal jab at Microsoft, such as "With Microsoft, the first hit is always free – remember that all your life."

Another goodie was the time he described Internet Information Server as "The Corvair of web servers, unsafe at any speed." (Google "unsafe at any speed" if you don't understand the reference.)

But in 2004, the two companies set aside their differences and entered into various technology and patent agreements.

At the time, McNealy said "This agreement launches a new relationship between Sun and Microsoft - a significant step forward that allows for cooperation while preserving customer choice."

The latest development in that relationship means that when someone in the US uses Internet Explorer to download the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), they'll also be offered the MSN Toolbar featuring Live Search.

"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.

Why does Microsoft need Sun's help? Please read on.