Sun CEO says NetApp aims to blunt open-source efforts
Schwartz also disputes lawsuit charge that Sun demanded license for WAFL technology
September 6, 2007 12:00 PM ETComputerworld - Sun Microsystems Inc. CEO Jonathan Schwartz on Thursday used his blog to dispute Network Appliance Inc.'s charge that Sun's ZFS file system technology infringes on seven NetApp patents.
NetApp made the charges in a lawsuit filed yesterday in a Texas federal court.
In his blog, Schwartz also challenged NetApp's contention that Sun had sought licensing fees for the storage firm's use of WAFL (Write Anywhere File Layout) or other technologies. Instead, he said that NetApp contacted Storage Technology Corp. before Sun acquired it in 2005 through a third-party "intermediary" seeking to discuss acquiring undisclosed patents on storage technology. He did not elaborate on the state or details of those talks in the blog.
Following the acquisition, Schwartz said Sun decided not to sell the patents, but would provide the technologies sought by NetApp under licensing agreements. He noted that NetApp was not interested in licensing the technology.
"Instead of engaging in licensing discussions, NetApp decided to file a suit to invalidate them," Schwartz wrote in his blog. "To be clear, we never filed a complaint or threatened to do so, nor did anyone, to the best of my knowledge, in the ZFS community."
In a statement, Sun said that the lawsuit is proof that NetApp views the open-source ZFS technology as a competitive threat. The company also said the lawsuit is a "direct attack on the open-source community."
Analysts have said that the lawsuit could become a test case for open-source software.
Said Schwartz in his blog: "The rise of the open-source community cannot be stifled by proprietary vendors. I guess not everyone's learned that lesson."
Related News and Discussion:
- NetApp hits Sun with patent-infringement lawsuit
- Analysis: All eyes on Schwartz to turn Sun around
- Daily IT Blogwatch: Linux, Linus, Sun, Schwartz (and dung)
- Sun executive talks up NAS strategy
- FAQ: Is ZFS Apple's secret weapon?
- Sun CEO spills Apple Leopard secret
- Daily IT Blogwatch: Leopard spots a file system (and pirate laws)
Sun
Additional Resources



Learn the important issues you must consider before starting your next mobility initiative. Get your mobility white paper from IDC now, compliments of Sybase.
White Papers & Webcasts
Data Protection is not an insurance policy -you cannot buy-back lost data
Find out why you need to maintain access to critical information to run your business and remain competitive.
Essential Archive Requirements for E-Discovery
Register Now!
Strategic ECM Webinar
Learn what new strategic business benefits can be realized through ECM!
CIO Strategies for the Retention and Deletion of Email
Register Now!
Rethinking Business Continuity and High Availability in Storage - HP and Forrester Pre-Recorded Webcast
Download it.
CIO Viewpoints: Exchange 2007 Risks and Mitigation Strategies
Download This Whitepaper Today!
5 Architecture Issues that Impact BES performance
Register to attend this LIVE Webinar to learn 5 Architecture Issues that Impact BES performance!
The Power/Density Paradox: The Result of High Density without Power Efficiency
Download this brief to explore what the power/density paradox is and how IT professionals can mitigate the risk.
Four Principles for Reducing Storage TCO
View cost reduction strategies in this video! Provided by Hitachi Data Systems.
