Java Rift Widening But Enthusiasm Grows For Single Computer Language

It sounds like a high-tech dream: Running your favorite software on all kinds of computers, from office machines to home desktops to pocket organizers.

Despite a widening industry rift, enthusiasm is growing among software developers for a computer language that could make that vision of universal software a reality.

Developers at a four-day industry conference here that began Tuesday remained hopeful the Java programming language will free them to write software once to run on a range of computers and digital consumer devices - regardless of the underlying operating system.

Slightly clouding the enthusiasm is a standards dispute between industry giants Sun Microsystems Inc., which created Java, and Microsoft Corp., which produces its own Java version that runs better on Windows personal computers than on rivals’ machines. Java also faces technical hurdles that could prevent it from reaching its full potential.

“It’s a vision that hasn’t been completely realized, but it’s true enough to make people pursue it,” said Steve Mezak, vice president of Digital Market Inc.