Open Source Java and the GPL

From Tim’s post, it would appear that the news is now official and live. Indeed, a Google News query turns up a small horde of pieces discussing the news, many of which feature quotes from one of us. [1]

In case you missed it, the rumor mill has had it right: Sun is indeed open sourcing Java under the GPL. We’ve been under double secret NDA on the subject, having been briefed on the news a little while back, but will have a lot more to say on the subject now that the word’s out. I’ll have a Q&A up possibly tomorrow, and will be in #redmonk tomorrow morning for those that wish to chat in real time. Would love to hear your thoughts. Should be an interesting next couple of days.

[1] As an aside, for anyone who doesn’t understand why we restrict our press handling to paying clients, this event may help explain why. When Sun, as a RedMonk client, directs the press our way to help explain the news and provide context, we’re happy to do so, but it takes time – lots of it. Cote and I spent substantial portions of last week on the phone or in email responding to media requests from everyone from the AP to the Wall Street Journal.