.Net vs. Java: One view

Sun Microsystems and Microsoft settled their litigation and agreed to cooperate in a range of areas a few weeks ago, but they're still competitors. One of the main areas of competition is between Microsoft's .Net and Sun's Java, rival platforms for software development.

In a story this morning about a $16 million round of funding received by software company Dexterra Inc., John Cook, the P-I's venture capital reporter, wrote about issues including the company's decision to go with .Net. Here's the key passage below, quoting Rob Loughan, Dexterra's founder.

Unlike some competitors, Dexterra's software is completely built around Microsoft's .NET technology. It only works on Microsoft-powered devices such as the Tablet PC, Smartphone and Pocket PC.

Tying its future to one technology platform -- in this case Microsoft -- was a risky strategy. But Loughan, who prior to co-founding Dexterra ran sales at Octane Software, said it was an important decision that propelled the company forward.

"We bet the company on Microsoft," said Loughan. "And you know what? It was a damn good decision."

When Dexterra was formed, Loughan considered building the company around Java, a competing programming language pioneered by Sun Microsystems. One of Dexterra's main competitors -- Arlington, Va.-based Telispark took that path, said Loughan. Telispark was sold to Infowave Software for $8 million earlier this year.

"I am raising $16 million and they are selling for $8 million," said Loughan. "In my opinion, they made the wrong platform choice."