Harmony sends Sun a letter [LWN.net]

The Apache Harmony project, which is working toward the development of a free Java SE implementation, has sent an open letter to Sun Microsystems asking for a license to Sun's Java Compatibility Kit which does not impose field of use restrictions on Harmony users. "As I explain below, these restrictions are contrary to the terms of the Java Specification Participation Agreement (JSPA) - the governing rules of the JCP - to which Sun is contractually bound to comply as a signatory. The ASF has a proud history of support for open software ecosystems in which commercial software can flourish. However, Sun's JCK license protects portions of Sun's commercial Java business at the expense of ASF's open software." There is also an associated FAQ with more information.

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Harmony times must this happen...

Posted Apr 12, 2007 12:04 UTC (Thu) by ldo (subscriber, #40946) [Link]

I thought Sun had relented and completely open-sourced Java. It's disappointing to read things like this where it appears they're still holding back on odd bits and pieces for no discernibly good reason.

On the other hand, it's probably the result of internal politics at Sun. I gather several people were not happy to see Java open-sourced at all...