Java’s original license, Gosling says, allowed people to use the source code internally but not redistribute. “It wasn’t ‘open’ enough for the ‘open source’ crowd,” he says.

Red Hat has signed on to participate in Sun Microsystems’ open-source Java Standard Edition (SE) project, OpenJDK, and to coordinate its own Java development efforts for Linux with the project.

Sun plans to open up more Java software, but will stop short of sharing the programming language itself.

Businesses that love Java and are looking to move to open source may want to give Compiere a look. The system is a complete ERP and CRM suite that includes accounting, order entry, customer ...

Open source Java heating up Peter Yared, formerly of Sun and now CEO of ActiveGrid, posted an open letter to Sun President and COO Jonathan Schwartz regarding open sourcing Java on his blog.

The company follows an announcement that its Solaris software will have an open-source flavor with a similar promise for its Java technology. Just don't ask for details.

Featured Partners Defining Open Source CRM Most CRM solutions deliver as ready-to-operate software, with a dedicated set of features.

The Java creator says it is considering an open-source model for its Java Enterprise System.