Office faces challenge
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google Inc. took a step toward challenging Microsoft Corp.’s dominance in computer word-processing and spreadsheets with the announcement Tuesday of a software collaboration agreement with Sun Microsystems Inc.
The move — as well as future plans in which both companies to distribute each other’s software — could let Google create or offer programs that would take on Microsoft Corp.’s industry-leading Office suite.
Users who download Sun’s Java software, which is needed to run a variety of Web applications, will have the option of downloading Google’s search toolbar.
The deal, whose terms were not disclosed, would make it easier for PC users to run applications based on the Java programming language. Such programs could include productivity suites that compete with Office, a major cash cow for Microsoft.
One such program is the freely distributed OpenOffice suite including word processor and spreadsheet that was developed by Sun. Under the agreement the companies said they would “explore opportunities to promote and enhance Sun technologies.”
“Working with Google will make our technologies more available more broadly, increase options for users, lower barriers and expand participation worldwide,” said Scott McNealy, Sun’s chief executive officer.
Eric Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, said the deal opens up the possibility of additional collaboration between the companies.
“Google and Java are two of the most widely recognized technology brands because they provide users with online tools that enhance their lives on a day-to-day basis,” he said. “We look forward to exploring other areas of collaboration.”
Under the deal, the toolbar will be offered as part of the Java Runtime Engine.
Eventually, the Java component could be offered to users who download the free toolbar that offers quick access to Google search, spell checking and a popup blocker.
The toolbar currently works only on computers running Microsoft Internet Explorer and the Firefox browser.
The runtime engine, which allows a Java program to run on any operating system, was one of many rifts between Microsoft and Sun over the years.
Sun first sued the world’s largest software maker in 1997, claiming it rewrote elements of Sun’s Java programming environment specific to its Windows operating system. Later, Microsoft said it would yank Java entirely from its ubiquitous software.
The wrangling ended in the spring 2003, when the companies surprised the world with a $1.95 billion settlement and 10-year collaboration agreement.