Summary
Sun Microsystems announced details of its plan to open source Java software. Sun's OpenJDK makes the widely used HotSpot JVM and javac compiler available for free under a commercial-friendly open source license. Sometime during 2007, Sun's project will make an entire Java Development Kit (JDK) available on these terms. The result: Developers will have free access to the source code for the core Java platform as well as Sun's Java application server and the ability to create derivative works of each. In return for free platforms, Java developers must "give back" by working with their preferred Java platform projects — either Sun's or Apache's — to ensure their continued success as the alternative to Microsoft's platforms. Sun's new open source moves by themselves are unlikely to improve its competitive position in the Java platforms market, in which Sun lags behind IBM, BEA Systems, Oracle, and RedHat/JBoss. Community growth will be key.
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