In order to comply with a preliminary injunction forcing the company to include Sun Microsystem"s Java in Windows, Microsoft is preparing two updates to Windows XP Service Pack 1.
An initial update dubbed SP1a is expected early this month and will be identical to the currently available SP1, but stripped of Microsoft"s Java. SP1b will follow in June, featuring Sun"s latest Java revision and meeting the timetable established by the court.
As part of the injunction, SP1b will be made available on CD as well as Windows Update. Sun"s Java releases will also be added to Windows Update for users to install independent of the service pack.
Microsoft stressed that the updates are intended only for new installs of Service Pack 1 and will not impact customers.
Windows XP Service Pack 2, slated to enter beta testing later this year, will additionally feature Sun"s Java technology.