by homeworld.redbacknetworks.com with SMTP; 12 Dec 1998 11:58:33 -0000
	by cue.bc.ca (8.9.1/8.9.1) id DAA11187
	for netbsd-advocacy@netbsd.org; Sat, 12 Dec 1998 03:58:11 -0800
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1998 03:58:11 -0800
From: John Nemeth <jnemeth@cue.bc.ca>
Message-Id: <199812121158.DAA11187@cue.bc.ca>
To: netbsd-advocacy@netbsd.org
Subject: Sun jumping on Linux bandwagon

     I just got the news release below.  It looks like Sun is jumping
on the Linux bandwagon.  Considering the amount of support that NetBSD
has for Sun hardware (more then Linux), and that we were there first,
is there some way that we can get in on this?  Does anybody have any
contacts at Sun?

>Tuesday December 8, 2:45 pm Eastern Time
>
>Sun to work with Linux, embrace open source
>
>PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec 8 (Reuters) - Sun Microsystems Inc. (Nasdaq:SUNW -
>news) on
>Tuesday said it has teamed up with the loose-knit community of Linux
>software developers to make the popular ``freeware'' run
>on its servers and workstations in an effort toembrace so-called open
>source code movement.
>
>Linux, a variant of the UNIX operating system, has been seen by some as a
>potential threat to Sun's own commercial UNIX
>software, known as Solaris. By contrast, Linux is available for free on
>the Internet and has been distributed to more than 8
>million users.
>
>The increasingly widespread use of Linux has fueled more interest in the
>open-source code model of software development and
>distribution, whereby far-flung developers modify and improve the software
>source code. The changes to Linux are then
>reviewed by Linux creator, Linus Torvalds, who is in charge of the final
>source code.
>
>Developers and end-users can now download Linux compatible with Sun's
>UltraSPARC computer workstations from Internet
>sites worldwide.
>
>``Every copy of Linux used is another win for UNIX and open standards,''
>said Ken Okin, Sun's vice president and general
>manager of workstation products. The term ``open standards'' refers to
>software that is not controlled by any one company, but
>is open to modification by any party wishing to build products that fit
>industry-wide standards.
>
>Palo Alto, Calif.-based Sun also said it intended to add Linux
>compatibility to its Solaris operating environment.
>
>As previously reported, Sun also Tuesday announced changes in its Java
>licensing model, to open up its Java programming
>language to more developers, along with launching a new version of Java,
>called Java 2. Sun said that software developers can
>now use and modify the source code of Java for free.
>
>For commercial developers who modify the source code and create products
>for use within their companies, or for commercial
>sale, or for use in a consulting or services contract, Sun will then
>charge licensing fees. The products must also pass Sun's Java
>compatability tests.
>
>``Under this new model, we don't make money unless you make money,'' said
>Alan Baratz, president of Java Software at Sun.
>
>Third party software developers will continue to be allowed to develop
>around Java, as long as they commit to Sun's published
>application programming interfaces - a roadmap for developers - for Java.
>
>These development initiatives, led by Sun or third parties, will be
>formally audited by PriceWaterhouse Coopers to provide
>assurance that the process is being properly implemented.
>
>Sun also said that it plans to introduce its NetDynamics application
>server software and related products in the first quarter of
>1999. Sun purchased NetDymanics this summer to enhance its software
>offerings with high-performance server software to run
>on corporate networks.