Microsoft moans: 'Sun ain't paid up'

Sun is yet to deliver payment agreed under its pact with Microsoft, court papers have revealed

As part of Microsoft's settlement with Sun Microsystems, Sun agreed to take part in a licensing programme under which Microsoft gives rivals access to various Windows communications protocols. However, Sun's cheque is apparently still in the mail.

In a court filing late last week, Microsoft noted that the two companies have not signed off on a contract, nor has Sun made a necessary royalty payment. Sun agreed to take part in the Microsoft programme as part of a wide-ranging deal earlier this year in which Microsoft agreed to pay Sun $1.95bn to settle antitrust and other disputes.

A Microsoft representative said on Friday that the deal has yet to be signed but said "we expect to finalise it shortly." A Sun representative said he was looking into the matter.

Ina Fried writes for News.com