IBM, Oracle Make Java-Based Tools FreeIBM, Oracle Make Java-Based Tools Free

IBM is making $40 million worth of E-commerce application-development software, called Eclipse, available as open-source software. IBM, which has made major investments in the Linux operating system over the past year, wants to reel in more Linux users with Java-based Eclipse. IBM claims developers will be able to create higher-quality Internet applications in less time by using Eclipse and compatible middleware as opposed to using a jumble of vendors' software not designed to work together.

Oracle, too, is looking for advantages in the open-source movement, in this case offering its Oracle9i JDeveloper free of charge next month. Oracle9i JDeveloper lets developers create E-business apps and Web services using multiple technologies such as Java, SQL, and XML by using a single integrated development environment. Oracle9i JDeveloper will be available as a free download to Oracle's online developer community, and it will be sold as part of Oracle9i Developer Suite. The software will be available in Linux, Unix, and Windows flavors.

"Giving a free tool kit is a great way for developers to experiment with Web services," says Tyler McDaniel, a Hurwitz Group analyst. McDaniel says that when developers prepare to deploy applications, they are likely to buy an app server from the company that created the tools. Web services, which standardize the way applications, objects, and content are madeavailable over a network, will spur collaboration between companies by helping companies share business processes in an automated manner, according to a Hurwitz report.