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.
At a debate at the JavaOne conference on Thursday, thousands gathered to hear Sun and others concerned with Java grapple with the issue. At stake is whether Java will become a full-fledged part of the open-source realm. If it does, that could let Java allies or foes manipulate it for their own ends. If it doesn't, open-source programmers might instead adopt rival .Net technology from Microsoft.
IBM, one of Sun's most powerful Java partners, reignited the smouldering question in an open letter in February that said Sun should release Java as open-source software. On Tuesday, Sun chief executive Scott McNealy lashed back with an accusation that IBM has "Java envy" and should release its own intellectual property as open-source software.
Sun sees cautionary tales in Unix and Linux, software with loose controls that ended up as different variations headed in incompatible directions.
"I lived through the Unix wars," James Gosling, the prime Java creator and a Sun vice president, said at the debate. "I love Linux to bits, but they've got the same problem all over again. They've got all these distributions, and they're really close, but they're just different enough to be a pain in the butt."
But others at the debate suggested Sun could find a way to embrace open-source without crippling Java. The software can be covered by open-source licenses, while other mechanisms can be used to ensure compatibility, said Larry Lessig, a Stanford law professor and a board member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
