Sun CEO talks Java "App Store"
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sun Microsystems CEO Jonathan Schwartz has written in his blog of "Project Vector" which is to be unveiled at JavaOne. Project Vector is described by Schwartz as a way "to connect companies of all sizes and types to the roughly one billion Java users all over the world".
The plan appears to be similar to other application stores, with developers and companies being able to upload applications to be available for free, or for a fee, to users of Project Vector. Applications and updates would then be delivered through the Java Update mechanism.
Schwartz suggests that the Java Store, as Project Vector is likely to be renamed, will be unique because of the large potential customer base. The timing of the announcement is interesting, because currently Sun employees are restrained from making forward looking statements, without authorisation from the "transition team" managing Oracle's acquisition process, so it is reasonable to assume Project Vector has Oracle's support.
Source:http://www.h-online.com/open/Sun-CEO-talks-Java-App-Store--/news/113345
The plan appears to be similar to other application stores, with developers and companies being able to upload applications to be available for free, or for a fee, to users of Project Vector. Applications and updates would then be delivered through the Java Update mechanism.
Schwartz suggests that the Java Store, as Project Vector is likely to be renamed, will be unique because of the large potential customer base. The timing of the announcement is interesting, because currently Sun employees are restrained from making forward looking statements, without authorisation from the "transition team" managing Oracle's acquisition process, so it is reasonable to assume Project Vector has Oracle's support.
Source:http://www.h-online.com/open/Sun-CEO-talks-Java-App-Store--/news/113345
Labels: Java Apps, Sun Microsystems
Oracle buys Sun: understanding the impact on open source
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Database giant Oracle announced Monday that it will buy Sun Microsystems for $9.50 per share—roughly $7.4 billion. The two companies reached an agreement after an unsuccessful bid by IBM fell short at $9.40 per share. Oracle has significantly expanded its reach over the past decade through a series of major acquisitions which include PeopleSoft, Hyperion, Siebel, and BEA. The addition of Sun to Oracle's roster will have far-reaching implications and a profound impact on the technology industry.
One area where the effects could be strongly felt is in the open source software community. Among Sun's most prized assets are some large-scale open source software projects that could see some major changes under their new ownership.
MySQL
The acquisition raises serious questions about the future of MySQL, a popular open source database system that Sun acquired last year. It's not clear if Oracle will see any incentive to continuing development of an open source alternative to its core database offerings. There are several factors, however, that would make it difficult for Oracle to kill off MySQL—and it could be profitable to continue investing in the system's advancement.
MySQL is already somewhat fragmented and there are several branches and forks that deliver enough unique value to be profitable independently. This makes it seem unlikely that any one player will be able to retain centralized control of the software or unilaterally terminate its forward progress.
Another factor is the efficacy of certain alternatives—such as PostgreSQL—which existing MySQL users could choose to adopt if MySQL ever seriously stumbled. It's clear that there is a signficant market for open source database software, and it's a niche that someone will inevitably find a way to fill. This means that Oracle would gain little from killing off MySQL.
Read More Here:arstechnica.com
One area where the effects could be strongly felt is in the open source software community. Among Sun's most prized assets are some large-scale open source software projects that could see some major changes under their new ownership.
MySQL
The acquisition raises serious questions about the future of MySQL, a popular open source database system that Sun acquired last year. It's not clear if Oracle will see any incentive to continuing development of an open source alternative to its core database offerings. There are several factors, however, that would make it difficult for Oracle to kill off MySQL—and it could be profitable to continue investing in the system's advancement.
MySQL is already somewhat fragmented and there are several branches and forks that deliver enough unique value to be profitable independently. This makes it seem unlikely that any one player will be able to retain centralized control of the software or unilaterally terminate its forward progress.
Another factor is the efficacy of certain alternatives—such as PostgreSQL—which existing MySQL users could choose to adopt if MySQL ever seriously stumbled. It's clear that there is a signficant market for open source database software, and it's a niche that someone will inevitably find a way to fill. This means that Oracle would gain little from killing off MySQL.
Read More Here:arstechnica.com
Labels: Open Source, Oracle, Sun Microsystems
