“Sun’s control over the effort to standardize Java has
slipped, and Microsoft is waiting in the wings with a list of
enhancements.
Last week in Kyoto, Japan, a standards body called ECMA
(formerly the European Computer Manufacturers Association) voted
overwhelmingly to set up a technical committee called TC41 to
elucidate the standardize ‘write once, run anywhere’ Java
technology Sun invented.
The shift of responsibility to the committee has more than a
procedural effect. … ECMA has effectively dropped the
[Sun-controlled] guidelines for the committee. As a result, the
door has opened for Microsoft to make some suggestions of its own.
…The committee promised to make sure Java programs are compatible
across computer systems.”