Readers: Sun Should Open-Source JavaReaders: Sun Should Open-Source Java

More than three quarters of Linux Pipeline readers responding to a Voting Booth survey said Sun should open-source Java.

We asked: "Should Sun Microsystems release Java as open source?"

Responses:

- Yes. 78%, 414 votes out of 528

- No. 22%, 114 votes

Here are some comments from readers, edited for readability. Comments are posted anonymously:

"This would be the best way to assure adoption while decreasing the posibility of one company kidnapping the Java standard."

"Yes, but only if Sun is going to stay in the prime position to approve changes, in much the same manner that Linus Torvalds keeps Linux standardized and open for the community."

"Sun has every right to hold onto it, but their reasons for doing so are strange. Is Linux 'diluted'? I think not. An open source Java would be a strong Java."

"Why? They developed it, they spent the millions to market it. Why should I get it for free?"

"Sun has proven that they are capable of managing Java for multiple systems. This is not broke so why try and fix it?"

"Before the marriage between Sun and Microsoft, I would have voted no. But, now that Microsoft has access to everything Sun has, Java would be better off in the open source world. Otherwise, I fear that Microsoft may have too much control of what happens to Java.

Read all the comments, un-edited.