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Why IBM Open Sourced Cloudscape
An anonymous reader writes "A common and a consistent framework for accessing information enables developers to do more things with more people more often. This article shares how Derby fits into IBM's developer strategy, the Java application stack, its intention to drive more innovation around Java on Linux, and why they want to make the Derby database become as ubiquitous as the Apache HTTP server." (Derby is the new name for the project based on the formerly commercial Cloudscape database.)
IBM has been the open source hero for many but why on earth haven't they opened OS2? Are they just going to let it rot?
Life is the leading cause of death in America.
With more and more small form factor devices that run Java (Sharp Zaurus PDA, HomePod media player, various set top boxes) and even Java processors (aJile, for example), a lightweight database presents some nice application opportunities.
I've played with Cloudscape before and it's not as speedy as MySQL or as rugged as Oracle, but it does get the job done. And having a relational database right in the set top box or PDA means independence from a more heavy duty machine on the LAN, WiFi, etc.
Open source is just icing on the cake.
Is it compatible with gcj and other free Java-like platforms, or does it require Sun's proprietary Java implementation?
It's time once again boys and girls for my Patented Bullshit Theory of the Day!! All BToD opinions are copyright and drug induced from the unraveling mind of me. They are to be taken lightly and humorously.
Open Sourcing OS/2? Could be promising, except I seem to remember that OS/2 was a collaborative effort between IBM and our beloved Microsoft. (Note, Sarcasm mistranslate netwise). Due to this much of OS/2 is in NT and much of NT is in OS/2, which is why OS/2 could run Windows 3.1 apps natively without and user intervention. OS/2 had a Win3.1 VM that worked so well Microsoft had to implement Win95/NT 4.0 style API's to break the compatibility.
So, if my memory is correct (and with this many holes how could it be wrong) IBM simply can't Open the code to OS/2 because they don't own 100% of it. Too much of it has Uncle Bill's own stamp on it and Opening the IBM only code would not produce a working system.
Also if memory serves, there may be some major HIPAA style agreements in place that would keep it from happening even if the ol' Softie claimed that no code from OS/2 was in the 2K version of the NT kernel and that they didn't care if the whold world saw it. Because OS/2 is used in a lot of back office banking, telecom, and medical solutions. I know that one is true, I worked for a CLEC for a while and a good 80% of the boxes were running OS/2 Warp 4.0.
So, even though it might be kind of interesting to take a long hard look at the OS/2 code. I don't personally think it would ever happen. Too many legalities and too much legacy in place that still just works to hand keys to something that might enable those less fortunate of us (humans) that feel it's ok to commit grand theft to circumvent the already cheese cloth security surrounding very personal data.
But all this is circumstantial and delusional and part of my deranged mind, and as such this has been another Bullshit Theory of the Day
We now return you to your regularly scheduled rant.
"Genius may shine aloof and alone, like a star, but goodness is social, and it takes two men and God to make a Brother."
How does Cloudscape/Derby compare with the other open source Java database engine, HSQL?
Much like dropping general development for OS/2. Why have your own army developing, marketing and supporting a product (database, OS, et. al.) when you can get someone else to do the heavy lifting then sell services to support it. I thought OS/2 Warp was a fine product with a lot going for it, but I understand that it was costing IBM more than they recovered in revenue from sales. This looks like the same kind of thinking.