Rival Firms Warn Sun Not to Control Java

Four big computer and software companies warned Sun Microsystems Inc. that they won’t support its proposal to make Java a standard in the industry if Sun tries to maintain control of it. Java is a 2 1/2-year-old computer language invented by Sun that’s used to write programs stored on central computers and designed to run on any operating system. Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp., Compaq Computer Corp. and Digital Equipment Corp. sent a letter to Sun just days before Sun is expected to release a revised version of its proposal for the standard. Sun’s original proposal was voted down two months ago by international standards bodies, amid concern that Sun wanted to control the evolution of the language. Mountain View-based Sun wants recognition of a standard for the language to prevent others from altering it to their advantage.