The only change is the date of end of support for the MSJVM, to December 31, 2007, from September 30, 2004. This provides customers a considerable period of time to transition from the MSJVM on a schedule that they can manage and plan for. MSJVM support specifics:

Microsoft and Sun resolved earlier litigation with a settlement agreement in January 2001. The 2001 settlement agreement contemplated the phase-out of the MSJVM, including end of support. The only change to the phase-out contemplated by the 2001 settlement agreement is the extension of the date of end of support for the MSJVM, to December 31, 2007.

The MSJVM is on many desktops and servers because it was included in some versions of Internet Explorer, a component of Windows. In addition, some products use the MSJVM in custom Java applications for clients or servers, as well as Java applets. These may be business-to-business or business-to-consumer applications and Web sites. To work properly they require the MSJVM or another vendor's Java virtual machine to reside on the computer. Customers are encouraged to identify and eliminate any dependencies on the MSJVM before support ends on December 31, 2007.

A number of products use the MSJVM in custom Java applications for clients or servers, as well as Java applets. These may be business-to-business or business-to-consumer applications and Web sites. They depend on the MSJVM to be installed in order to work properly. Java applets start automatically and may perform a variety of functions, ranging from simple loan calculators or stock quote tickers to more complex functionality for the services the Web site provides. MSJVM-dependent software may originate with:

MSJVM is included with:

The MSJVM is not included with Windows XP SP1a, Windows XP SP2, Windows Server™ 2003, or any future Microsoft software.

On April 2, 2004, Microsoft and Sun announced an agreement to settle litigation and increase technical cooperation, which will benefit customers of both companies. As part of this agreement, Microsoft will be able to support the MSJVM until December 31, 2007.

The MSJVM is not available for distribution from Microsoft. It is not being included in future Microsoft products. Microsoft software and SKUs currently including the MSJVM will continue to be retired or replaced by versions not containing the MSJVM. From 1999 to 2003, Microsoft issued 10 MSJVM security updates. A cumulative patch is available on the Windows Update Web site.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-011 contains a cumulative security update for the MSJVM. The easiest way to determine if you need this update is to visit the Windows Update Web site and scan your computer for available updates. Windows Update will recommend any available updates that your computer may require.

Consumers may have the MSJVM installed on their computers and may be using programs that are dependent on the MSJVM. Because the MSJVM will continue to be supported through December 31, 2007, no immediate action is required. However, Microsoft recommends that consumers who are using MSJVM-dependent programs consult their software vendors' Web sites for any information on action they might need to take in the future. For instance, users might be advised to update or replace their current versions before December 31, 2007.

Microsoft also recommends that all Windows users keep current with the latest software and hardware updates by visiting the Windows Update Web site, or by enabling the Automatic Updates feature that is available in later versions of Windows.

Every organization will have different needs and requirements. Microsoft recommends that businesses, IT professionals, IT solution providers, and developers review the appropriate MSJVM Transition Guide as a first step.

Microsoft is providing a rich set of tools and guidance for IT pros and developers.

The End User License Agreements (EULAs) for both Microsoft Visual J++® and the Microsoft SDK for Java grant limited rights to redistribute the installer for the MSJVM (msjavx86.exe). However, Microsoft highly discourages continued redistribution of the MSJVM as provided for in these EULAs. For more information, please check the software use guidelines:

Microsoft is providing customers with developer and IT pro versions of the MSJVM Transition Guide, which provides a comprehensive starting point for analyzing MSJVM dependencies. The MSJVM Diagnostic Tool is designed to help businesses with complex IT infrastructures easily run dependency analyses. It checks for the use and dependencies of programs and Web sites and issues a customized report that identifies such dependencies.

Businesses may also have custom or internally-developed programs that may have MSJVM dependencies. If your business relies on such programs, you should check with your developer, consultant, or software vendor to identify MSJVM dependencies, and to learn about the steps you should take to minimize those dependencies and the potential impact on your business.

To help you assess your dependencies, answer the following questions:

Are you using a version of Windows that predates Windows XP SP1a?

If so, you should review the list of tested Microsoft software for possible MSJVM dependencies.

Are you using other Microsoft software, such as Microsoft Works or Microsoft Publisher?

If so, you should review the list of tested Microsoft software for possible MSJVM dependencies.

The applications list includes options for removing dependencies. For additional guidance, see the MSJVM Support page.

Are you using other non-Microsoft business software, such as accounting, productivity, word processing, antivirus, or publishing software?

Check your software vendor's Web site or contact them directly for information on the appropriate steps to minimize MSJVM dependencies and the potential impact on your business.

Are you using custom business programs that were provided by a software vendor or consultant?

Check the Web site of the developer, consultant, or software vendor, or contact them directly to identify any dependencies and get information on appropriate steps to minimize the potential impact on your business.

Are you using Web services as part of your business processes, such as providing weather reports or shipping, banking, or brokerage information?

To help avoid disruptions in your business, contact the webmaster or company providing the Web service to determine the steps they are taking to minimize MSJVM dependencies.

Worldwide support is available at no charge for the MSJVM Diagnostic Tool. In the United States, please contact Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) at (800) 936-5800. For international support, please contact your local subsidiary.

Customers can also get quick assistance and interact with others using the tool in the MSJVM newsgroup.

Microsoft is committed to helping customers, IT professionals, IT solution providers, and developers work through the transition in the most cost-efficient way possible, while helping to maintain the reliability, security, and availability of their IT environments. Because every organization has different requirements, businesses should tailor the options that are most appropriate to fit their own particular needs. Your organization may decide to select one or more of the following migration options.