Sun sets Java free

Filed under: Business, Developer, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Open Source

Sun sets Java free

by Jordan Running Nov 13th 2006

Later today Sun Microsystems is expected to release the source code to its Java platforms after years of speculation and urging by the open source community. Unlike Solaris and J2EE, which were released under the Common Development and Distribution License, Sun has opted to release the source code for Java Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) and Mobile Edition (J2ME) under the venerable GPL. It will be taking the "classpath exception" to the license, however, which will allow companies and developers who make Java programs to release their software under different licensing, including closed-source ones. Sun's Jonathan Schwartz and Rich Green will be making a webcast at 9:20 a.m. PT today, which can be seen at sun.com/opensource/java, which is also where you'll be able to find the source code and other resources. Sun's Tim Bray provides a few more details on what's in store in his blog.

Tags: gpl, j2me, j2se, java, open source, OpenSource, sun, sun microsystems, SunMicrosystems, Tim Bray, TimBray

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