Sun Wants Java As Open Source As Possible

Sun Microsystems wants to make Java as open source as possible while keeping compatibility and has made changes to its Java licensing.

Its next version of Java will increase web services functionality.

According to a TechWorld article,

"Key to the company's licensing plan is Project Peabody, which introduces a new scheme called a JIUL (Java Internal Use License), pronounced "jewel." Under JIUL, users can change Java source code for their internal use only. JIUL is based on an honor system in which Sun expects compatibility to the J2SE specification but relies on users to ensure that compatibility. Use of Java under JIUL is free.

There is a risk, though, of Java forking because of JIUL but the company is allowing users to take that risk, said Graham Hamilton, a Sun vice president and Sun Fellow in the company's Java platform group. Forking of Java previously has yielded only regrets, according to Sun officials."

"We're trying to respect needs of both sides, to create a licensing and collaboration atmosphere that's as close to open source as possible while not violating the expectations of the rest of the world around interoperability and compatibility," said Sun CTO, James Gosling

Source: webpronews.com
 
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