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Where Is Sun Going With Linux?
jg21 writes "LinuxWorld has an interview with Sun's head software honcho John Loiacono which provides an opportunity to gauge Sun's intentions with regard to Linux in particular, open source in general, and where Solaris fits in. In spite of the assertion "Sun was founded on the principle of open source. We have contributed more lines of open source code than any other entity on the planet except for Cal Berkeley," Sun seems to view Linux somewhat grudgingly, judging from Loiacono's tone: "Linux is something that we'll have to interoperate with because it may exist far beyond whatever Solaris turns out to be." An important read, if only because a Windows-free Loiacono notes that he's been using the Linux-based Java Desktop System for a year. "It is not perfect by any means," he concedes though. Refreshing honesty from Sun's top software exec."
"Where is my son going with that linux hippy?", I asked myself.
The police called a few hours later...
A very different alternate reality might have developed if (a) Ken Olsen had jumped onto UNIX and (b) successfully put it onto desktop PCs early on.
Alternate reality?!? That sounds awesome. Would I be able to fly and pick up large buildings in that reality. If so, it's probably wise that Ken Olsen dismissed UNIX back in the 70's. I can assure you all that I would not have used my powers for good.
All of Sun's executives saw the headline, "Where Is Sun Going With Linux?" and dropped everything to quickly find out themselves.
Then they realize this is just an interview with another Sun executive, and they go, "Ahhh. Crap. I thought I was going to actually learn something!"
Honestly, when someone figures out where Sun is going with Linux, Open Source, Java, Microsoft, etc. please tell Sun!
Like Digital Freedoms? Then donate to EFF before they're gone.
The WHOLE solar system.
An Indian-American Hindu committed to non-violent thought/speech/action alarmed by the global explosion of radical Islam
When I read this title, I imagined Bill Gates, six-shooters in hand, sneer on his face:
... or...
"Where you think yer goin' with that Linux, Sun?"
"Drop the Linux, Sun, and nobody gets hurt, see?"
GNOME meets usability guidelines?!
What do you mean? Microsoft is one of my preferred vendors - I can't count the number of mice I've bought from them, particularly for Macs. Sun's mice have always sucked. Microsoft should stick to hardware, it's one of the few things they're good at. Sun shouldn't try to do hardware, they were never very good at it.
Are you suggesting Windows is perfect?
- Just my $0.02, take with a grain of salt, your mileage may vary.
There's a standard industry joke that if DEC were in charge of marketing for Kentucky Fried Chicken, the advertisements would be for "warm dead bird". Their technical staff was brilliant, and even their general management staff had some bright bulbs in their, but the marketing was utterly inept.
You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem. (Edwards' Law)
I work as a contractor right now at an OEM that produces components for GM cars/trucks. One of the main QA people I work with talks often about how he drives a Chrysler vehicle.
"What's the frequency Kenneth?"