Slashdot Mirror
Sun vs. OpenBSD?
An anonymous reader writes "CNet has an article up about OpenBSD trying to get documentation for Sun's UltraSparc-III processor. Basically Sun is giving them a bit of run around....There is some documentation available for the processor, but not enough to get things to boot."
We all have a love/hate relationship with Microsoft (okay, mostly a 'hate' one for Slashdotters) but at least they don't control the architecture, OS, and CPU for the Windows platform.
Sun even go beyond Apple's level of control, since IBM/Motorola develop the CPUs there, so that documentation is somewhat easier to get.
Sun has the potential to be the biggest monopoly of all the big technology companies, yet their products are rapidly losing market share. Why? I think companies these days don't like buying into closed architectures. So I think open source supporters should stop calling for companies blood, and instead let the market decide who's best.
Remember, Microsoft were popular in the 80s exactly for their open architecture.
In 1991's "Challenges and Strategy" memo, Bill Gates said, Our applications have always succeeded based on their own merit rather than on some benefit of unfair knowledge of system software. We need to explain our hardware neutral approach and the benefits that has generated for end users. We need to have visible events on a regular basis where we solicit the input of anyone who wants to influence our future direction. If we can institutionalize a process that the world feels comfortable with, we will strengthen our position incredibly. This is going to require a lot more creativity than even the "Open Forums" we are discussing. UNIX has OSF and X/Open -- we also need clear ways for organizations of all types (hardware, ISV, IHV, corporation, universities) to feel like they have something invested in our approach and can affect our course.
Do you see Sun being open? No. So, again I say, let the market decide. It's no wonder that open source is becoming the next big thing in corporate land.
mogorific carpentry experiments
Its just more of Theo whining. If he wants the info, he should sign the NDA and have a nice cup of shut the fuck up.