Sun, Java and open source

The Java community has been stirred up in recent days by an open letter
 from Eric Raymond (President Open Source Initiative) calling for
 Java to be released as open source. Raymond urges Sun to let Java go and live up to its own words,
 “The open-source model is our friend.” He also argues that 
 Sun’s licensing restrictions currently prevent Java from being bundled with Linux distributions.

Beyond allowing Java to be distributed with open-source projects, Raymond points to the
 potential benefits of the open-source community and its large membership. “You have millions of potential allies out here in the open-source 
 community who would love to become Java developers.”

From Java’s point of view, distribution seems to me the only problem.
 Java already has the Java Community Process 
 as a way to extend and develop the platform. Rick Ross (JavaLobby) 
 offers another view in No Sun Is An Island.

Whatever the response or stance turns out to be, Eric Raymond has succeeded in starting
 a wider discussion about Java and its relationship with Sun. That’s a good thing.

Related articles

• (18 February 2004, John D. Mitchell, John D. Mitchell weblog) Sun’s Phipps rants on Raymond’s open-source rant
• (17 February 2004, Matt Whipp, PC Pro) Sun fires back over Open Source Java accusations