Ever since SunSelect’s Wabi Windows-under-Unix environment came along (and probably before), Sun Microsystems Inc and Microsoft Corp have been tossing verbal barbs at each other. The latest, it seems, is that Microsoft intends to offer only limited support for its applications running on Wabi. It will help customers out if there is a problem with the application itself, but not with the interface or the operating system. The firm is thought to be preparing a letter stating its position for major accounts. The problem apparently came to a head with SunSelect’s qualification – the so-called certification programme – of applications running on Wabi. And of the initial 13 applications up on Wabi, it is the latest versions of Microsoft Word and Excel that don’t work entirely independently of Windows. Sources say Microsoft’s systems division was probably so unhappy at the implied collusion of its applications division in the certification programme that it initiated an intent to withdraw support. SunSelect observes, however, that its Wabi OEM customers provide first tier support for Wabi and it will step in wherever OEM customers require additional help. The irony is that Microsoft is already offering support – or will soon – on most other Windows-on-Unix emulation products available or under development. There was speculation that Microsoft would sue SunSelect for infringement of its proprietary Windows interfaces, but no lawsuit has appeared thus far. One source believes Microsoft is waiting for products to emerge and now has its lawyers looking the stuff over.
