Simon’s Blog

Sun Microsystems is working hard to open source Java - both the Java SE platform and the Java ME platform (CDC and CLDC) . And it seems the company is making good progress.

In July, Tim Bray wrote:

I spent some time this week in the internal work process around Java and Open Source, and that it’s moving along nicely. As of now, I’m really optimistic that it’ll turn out well for the community and for us too.

And in August, Simon Phipps wrote:

Expect a steady stream of news from now on, as well as an honest desire for dialogue with everyone.

So, it’s all looking good. But what will the benefits be? Well, here’s one example. Someone just ported the Java ME platform to the Sony PSP. However, Sun told the guy that he couldn’t distribute his port, which they are perfectly within their rights to do; and there could be good reasons, from Sun’s perspective, for them saying no. The upshot of Sun’s decision, though, means: there will be no Java on the PSP for anyone. Which seems to be not so good for PSP owners that want to run Java. But fear not. This is siuation is only temporary. There will only be no Java on the PSP until Java is open sourced. At that point, no-one will be able to stop the so-called PeeJay distribution (at least, I don’t think so!). A perfect example of open sourcing bringing freedom to software…