Sun CEO to Torvalds: Let's work together
Days after Linus Torvalds discussed the possibilities of Linux and Solaris joining forces as open-source projects, Sun Microsystems Chief Executive Jonathan Schwartz has invited the Linux leader to dinner to allay his suspicions about Sun's motives.
"We want to work together, we want to join hands and communities," Schwartz wrote on his blog Wednesday. "We have no intention of holding anything back, or pulling patent nonsense. And to prove the sincerity of the offer, I invite you to my house for dinner. I'll cook, you bring the wine."
Linux is governed by version 2 of the General Public License (GPL), which Torvalds considers superior so far to the GPL 3 that the Free Software Foundation is due to deliver in final form by the end of the month. Sun's OpenSolaris software--the open-source components of Solaris--is so far governed only by the Community Development and Distribution License, but Schwartz believes sees GPL 3 could let Sun "converge on a uniform license" for its open-source projects.
"We love where the FSF's GPL 3 is headed. For a variety of mechanical reasons, GPL 2 is harder for us with OpenSolaris--but not impossible, or even out of the question," Schwartz said.
That perspective shows some convergence with Torvalds' view, who said on a mailing list posting, "I don't think the GPL 3 is as good a license as (GPL) 2, but on the other hand, I'm pragmatic, and if we can avoid having two kernels with two different licenses and the friction that causes, I at least see the reason for GPL 3."
Torvalds expressed interest in one Solaris technology in particular, ZFS (the Zettabyte File System), which governs how data is stored on hard drives, with built-in features to span multiple drives and ensure data integrity. But in what he described as his "cynical" prediction, Torvalds forecast Sun would find a way to keep ZFS out of Linux.
Schwartz took pains to deny that possibility, saying Sun is "interested in seeing ZFS everywhere, including Linux, with full patent indemnity."
And more broadly, he said, "We should put the swords down--you're not the enemy for us, we're not the enemy for you."
Linux can benefit from ZFS and other Solaris software such as DTrace dynamic probe or Crossbow network virtualization, and Solaris could benefit from Linux driver software that gives it broader hardware support.
"It's not predation, it's prudence," Schwartz said. "Let's stop wasting time re-creating wheels we both need to roll forward."
Stephen Shankland writes about a wide range of technology and products, but has a particular focus on browsers and digital photography. He joined CNET News in 1998 and since then also has covered Google, Yahoo, servers, supercomputing, Linux and open-source software, and science. E-mail Stephen, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stshank. 
And to the Linux juiceheads that are going to get their panties in a wad over the above statement... we'll the real # is closer to 90%.
What you think about Linux (or Linus) or Sun doesn't really matter. Linux and Solaris and two fantastic operating systems and if was possible for them both to share innovations without license restictions that would benefit the entire industry (and perhapes incourage other vendors of commercial to do the same!).
If you hadn't already noticed, the technology industry is a pretty cut throat place and while sun is turning itself around, it hasn't always had the best reputation in the open source world. Linus isn't some opinionated troll (like yourself), as the effective leader of the Linux project he has to look out for misuse of the tools that his community has created. Contrast Linus to someone like Richard Stallman (who i think may be going even more insane in old age then he already is).
In short, if you don't like Linux, stick to windows or whatever other piece of useless bloatware floats your boat.
Too much evil for me. Don't you feel bad now?
and filesystem and then glommed on to all the GNU software.
Suddenly GNU is Linux. I've yet to see him or any of the other linux
script-kiddies that without GNU they have nothing
- Double CHI
- by wildchild_plasma_gyro June 13, 2007 12:34 PM PDT
- A think Onux and the like is well sutied where it is and infact needs more encouragement to offer group the ability to do things less conventional for more research and economc develoment sipiing the other way to microsft/Mac.
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(9 Comments)In this model so far linux has offered a lot of improvmnents for these groups and this academic usfulness alongside mre grounded engineering use has been very usfull and would be a geat loss if the imagination pipeline stops and the plagerism starts.