Who says the age of miracles is past? Sun, which loathes Microsoft, is going to distribute Microsoft’s search toolbar with its Java Runtime Environment.

Nope, it’s not April fool’s. More like Sun and Microsoft slurping out of the Obama “change” cup.

IE users who download the JRE will be able to download the MSN Toolbar along with it.

Microsoft says the deal is part of its push to get its search widgetry into “broad-scale distribution” looking for volume for its advertisers.

Good starting place. The Java Runtime Environment is supposed to be on 91% of all web-connected PC, something like 800 million PCs, and it’s said to be downloaded “tens of millions” of times a month.”

A Live Search-enabled toolbar is also supposed to appear on HP PCs sold in the US and Canada starting in January.

Microsoft, of course, is getting sloppy seconds. Google has piggybacked on JRE since 2005 and now that deal is reportedly ending. A similar deal with Yahoo continues.

Wonder if Microsoft is paying more than Google did. Sun and Microsoft didn’t disclose the financial terms of their politically uncomfortable arrangement but Microsoft apparently outbid all comers. Change comes at price and Sun needs the money.

Just to prove you’re not dreaming the AP says that as JRE-MSN Toolbar programs download Sun “opens a window promoting OpenOffice.”