Hewlett-Packard to Make Own Version of Java

Hewlett-Packard Co. said it will produce its own version of the Java software programming language developed by Sun Microsystems Inc. Hewlett-Packard joins Microsoft Corp. in challenging Sun for control of Java, a language intended to let programmers write software that works across a range of computers and consumer electronics. Microsoft already is encouraging software developers to use its own version of Java, which runs better on Windows personal computers than on rivals’ machines. Hewlett-Packard said it will produce its own Java technology for the chips that run printers, cellular phones and other consumer devices, because it was unable to reach a licensing agreement with Sun. Palo Alto-based Sun dismissed HP’s move, depicting it as an attempt to gain an edge in a licensing agreement.