ZDNet India : Sun wrestles with open-source Java

Sun Microsystems is grappling with applying an open-source philosophy to its Java software as the company weighs risks and benefits over whether it should jump in further or not. But some experts are suggesting a middle ground.

Open-source software, best exemplified by the Linux operating system, holds the promise of fast innovation, widespread adoption and a lively developer community. But Sun, which invented and oversees Java, has expressed worries that making it open-source software could threaten its essential promise of compatibility.

Placing Java more firmly in the open-source realm could let allies and foes manipulate it for their own ends. Not doing so could push programmers toward Microsoft's .Net.