Starting today, when Java users around the world are prompted to download an update, the MSN toolbar will be offered as a tag-along, according to Microsoft representatives.

Starting today, when Java users in the U.S. are prompted to download an update, the MSN toolbar will be offered as a tag-along, according to Microsoft representatives.

It's part of Microsoft's continuing effort to raise awareness about its competitor to Google's market-dominating search site. Not only will the toolbar give access to Live Search, but also to MSN content like news, and to Live services such as Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger.

"This agreement with Sun Microsystems is another important milestone in our strategy to secure broad-scale distribution for our search offering, enabling millions more people to experience the benefits of Live Search," said Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president of the Online Audience Business at Microsoft, in a statement. "With the vast array of Java software-based Web applications that are downloaded every month, this deal will expose Live Search to millions more Internet users and drive increased volume for our search advertisers."

The move reflects fiscal weakness on Sun's part; the company posted a $1.7 billion loss in its most recent quarter. The alliance is especially surprising, as Sun's Java platform has traditionally competed with Microsoft technologies such as ActiveX and, more recently, Silverlight.

Sun claims that the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed on 91 percent of Internet-connected PCsor over 800 million units, and that 6.5 million developers around the globe use its programming language. The runtime can be downloaded from Java.com.