Netscape Communications'(NSCP) browser isn't fully compatible with Java, and the company isn't taking any
chances. In
light of Sun Microsystems' lawsuit against Microsoft over use of the Java logo, Netscape has removed it
from the latest iteration of its browser.
On the "About" page of Communicator 4.04, there is a
blank space where the Java "steaming cup" logo used to be. The logo signifies that the software is
compatible with Java technology. The source code of the page contains this message: "Temporary until we are back in compliance."
Netscape is overdue in providing full support for the Java Development Kit (JDK) 1.1, and the company said it decided to remove the Java logo to make sure
there are no misunderstandings among developers and users.
"We are fully compliant with JDK 1.0.2," said Netscape spokesman Chris
Hoover. "But to keep the logo is misleading because developers are moving
toward 1.1. It looks to me like we're just being cautious."
The removal of the logo was not required under the terms of Netscape's Java
license, according to Hoover.
However, Netscape has technically broken its Java contract with Sun by not
shipping full support for JDK 1.1 in a timely manner. The software kit has
been available since February.
"There is a contractual obligation to ship support for 1.1 in a certain
time frame after we ship it, and that time has passed," said Lisa Poulson,
a spokeswoman for Sun's JavaSoft division.
But Netscape's promises of full 1.1 compliance have so far been enough to
reassure Sun, Poulson said. Microsoft has pointed to Sun's forgiveness of
Netscape as a double standard. Sun is suing Microsoft for using the Java
logo despite not adhering fully to the Java compatibility requirements. (See related story)
It seems that Netscape could fix the problem by amending the logo to
specify 1.0.2 compatibility, but Sun does not issue logos with specific
version numbers.
"It's an issue that's come up many times, and it's something we're
evaluating," said Poulson.
Netscape's support for Java in Navigator won't be completely up to Sun's
spec until the company releases Communicator 5.0 some time in the first half
of 1998. The company also will release a pure-Java version of Navigator,
dubbed "Javagator," in the first quarter of 1998, but has not announced
if that version will be beta or final.
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blank space where the Java "steaming cup" logo used to be. The logo signifies that the software is
compatible with Java technology. The source code of the page contains this message: "Temporary until we are back in compliance."
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