I think Oracle would have a hard time closing off Java.
1) OpenJDK is GPL'd, which carries IP license grant with it, as long as the derivative is GPL'd. It'd be procedurally easy to fork it and do an end-run around license fees.
2) Oracle is following through on Sun's plan for a monetized Java offering. "Java for Business" is a Java runtime offering that carries with it support entitlements and may get improvements (probably merged in from JRockIt) that don't get put into OpenJDK.
3) IBM's patent portfolio gives the significant bargaining power when their license is up for renewal again (which I think is in 2015 or 2016).
I agree that there is some uncertainty that this creates, but I don't think it's going to be earth-shattering.
________________________________________
From: web400-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [web400-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jim Oberholtzer [midrangel@xxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2010 6:29 PM
To: Web Enabling the AS400 / iSeries
Subject: Re: [WEB400] The ASF Resigns From the JCP Executive Committee
Or RPG!! Agreed!!
However the question will be, how much does it cost to keep using Java
if, and only if, Oracle gets crazy and starts asking for licensing
fees. As Joe pointed out, lots of smoke, but like with all fires that
are very smoky, once the ventilation starts and fresh air gets to the
source of the heat, the fire pops up with a vengeance. FUD yes, but a
topic to keep an eye on. If I were a software vendor getting ready to
start a new project, I would think twice about Java at this point.
It'll be several years before this gets decided.
Jim Oberholtzer
CEO/Chief Technical Architect
Agile Technology Architects, LLC
On 12/9/2010 5:01 PM, Dean, Robert wrote:
At this point, with the ginormous mountain of Java code out there, replacing Java would be about as difficult as replacing COBOL.
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