Sun changes its mind on GPL v3 for Java and Solaris

SUN HAS decided that when it comes to open sourcing Solaris and Java it quite likes the cut of the jib of the forthcoming GPL v3 standard.

The outfit used the Community Development and Distribution License (CDDL) for its Solaris project, and open source Java employs version 2 of the General Public Licence (GPL).

According to ZD Net, Sun chief pooh-bah Jonathan Schwartz has warmed to the idea of using upcoming GPL version 3 for both projects. He said that Sun went for version 2 with Java because version 3 wasn't out. When teh world has version 3, Java will likely go to 3. The reason for the change of heart is because Sun wants to appeal to developers who apparently favour the new GPL. Another factor is a patent protection expected to feature in the new version of the licence, that Sun also fancies.

Schwartz admitted that his outfit had not been as effective as he'd like to be in going after the GPL community, because there's an awful lot of really bright people who think that's the licence they prefer.

So says ZD Net . µ