Open-source Java coming in 2007

Open-source Java coming in '07 | CNET News.com

Quote:

Sun Microsystems intends to commence open-sourcing Java by the end of this year and complete the process in 2007, according to the company's executive vice president of software, Rich Green.

Last August, the Java creator said it intended to open-source the components of the Java programming language and associated software.

On Friday, Green said Sun is "on plan" and intends to release significant pieces of the Java platform in the fourth quarter of this year.

"We did it with Java Enterprise Edition (server) with the GlassFish project, and we will be doing it with Java Standard Edition and Java Micro Edition, which is pretty exciting," he said.

By releasing the source code to Java Standard Edition, the software to run desktop Java programs, and Java Micro Edition for handheld devices, Sun hopes to invite more developers to build products with Java.

Sun also intends to eventually release its Java Enterprise System, its Java server software suite, to open source. (continued)

I'm sure this will make plenty of developers happy.