Write Once, Run Anywhere: 
Why It Matters

Matt Curtin 
interhack.net 
cmcurtin@interhack.net

April 9, 1998

Abstract:

There has been a lot of talk, and a lot written about Java. Sun's assertions that Microsoft is attempting to sabotage Java's promise of ``Write Once, Run Anywhere'' began a flurry of discussion about this promise, Microsoft's business practices, and what Sun really wants out of its Java technology.

But what does all of this mean? Who cares? Why does it even matter?

This document is an attempt to find answers to these questions. It's intended primarily for information technology managers and end users. However, it might also be of interest to developers.

For those who prefer, this document is available as PostScript and PDF.

• What ``Write Once, Run Anywhere'' Means
• ``Different Computers Use Different Software''
• Badness In the Computer Industry
• But Aren't There Problems With Java?
• ``Write Once, Run Anywhere'' Is a Promise
• Why It Matters to Information Systems Managers
• Why It Matters to End Users
• But Java Won't Be the Only Language
• So What Does It All Mean?
• About this document ...