Microsoft tests Java conversion tool

Microsoft on Tuesday released the first test version of a tool for converting Java language code to C#, the company's Java-like programming language for building Web services. The Java language conversion tool, available for download from Microsoft's Web site, is part of the Java User Migration Path to Microsoft .Net (JUMP to .Net) initiative unveiled about a year ago. JUMP in part allows programmers accustomed to working with Java to create applications that later can be converted to support Microsoft's .Net software-as-a-service strategy. Last month, Microsoft released to some developers Visual Studio.Net, its revamped software development tool kit supporting .Net. The company officially launches the product next week.