Sun's Java Stance

Computerworld - Sun has posted the source code for the next big version of Java, code-named Mustang, on the Internet under the Java Research License ["Open-Source Java?" QuickLink 50897]. It is free for noncommercial use and provides developers a chance to look before they leap. Sun recognizes the need to simplify its myriad license policies and constraints, which have been confusing. It's just that Sun, as a for-profit organization, is trying to figure out how to make money for its stakeholders, notwithstanding a desire to gain political points.

Relatively speaking, Sun remains the biggest contributor of code to the open-source movement through its work on GNOME, StarOffice and other open-source software and its association with Collab.net and various open-source resources. The company is also moving elements of its Solaris Unix operating system there, convincing many of the third-party owners of the 250-odd intellectual property elements to go along. Sun has invested upwards of $1 billion, 10 years and about 10,000 man-years in the creation of Java. Should it expect any returns on the resulting intellectual property, or should it convert Java into a pure open-source project, giving up all its control? Owners of the 3 billion Sun shares would prefer the former.

Protecting the intellectual property is important for Sun's future. Brand protection through licensing is important for American interests in the international context. Ensuring compatibility control and coordinated development of the Java platform is in the interest of all humans. The licensing structure is intended to accomplish all of the above. The instructional books that Sun and others have authored on the Java programming language and platform and the training programs leading to "certified" Java developers all feed a coordinated development of the Java trajectory. Sun's Java licensing policy is intended to effectively foster compatibility, innovation and profitability, all at the same time. Research-use licenses are free and are less restrictive in order to foster rapid innovation. Commercial licenses have fees and more restrictions. By applying an elaborate control system, Sun has attempted and largely succeeded in preventing market fragmentation.

Nishat Khan
Program manager
Sun Microsystems Inc.
Santa Clara, Calif.
nishat.khan@sun.com