Sun Microsystems to Distribute Microsoft Live Search-Powered Toolbar as Part
of Java Runtime Environment
Search distribution deal expands reach of Microsoft Live Search via custom MSN
Toolbar.
REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today
announced a search distribution deal with Sun Microsystems Inc. to offer the
MSN Toolbar, powered by Microsoft Live Search, to U.S.-based Internet Explorer
users when they download the Java(TM) Runtime Environment (JRE(TM)), effective
as of today.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)
Through this agreement, Internet Explorer users downloading Sun's JRE will
have the option to download the MSN Toolbar and have one-click access to Live
Search features, as well as news, entertainment, sports and more from the MSN
network and direct access to Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger.
"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. "With the vast array of Java software-based Web applications that
are downloaded every month, this deal will expose Live Search to millions more
Internet users and drive increased volume for our search advertisers."
With more than 6.5 million Java software developers around the globe, Java
is one of the most widely available and popular software platforms. It is
already present on 91 percent of Internet-connected PCs worldwide. The Java
Runtime Environment is one of the highest-volume consumer downloads on the
Web, with tens of millions of downloads each month from http://java.com.
"With over 800 million Java desktop users around the world, our goal is to
provide Java users with compelling and immersive business and consumer
solutions powered by Java technology and value-added solutions from
world-class software partners," said Rich Green, executive vice president of
Software at Sun Microsystems. "Our customers expect top-quality products when
they choose to download technology from Sun, and we are confident that they
will find great value in both Microsoft's MSN toolbar and Live Search."
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
http://sun.com/ Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, JRE and The
Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun
Microsystems Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other
countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
pr.mspx./ /CONTACT: Rapid Response Team of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide,
+1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, for Microsoft Corp.
