Sun Microsystems is releasing over 1,600 patents as part
of its decision to make Sun’s Solaris operating system open
source.
Developers will have access to the patented code under Sun’s
OpenSolaris programme whereby they can apply for a Common
Development and Distribution Licence (CDDL).
"As the largest business contributor to the open-source
community, Sun has always been an ardent believer in open standards
and the open-source process going back to the inception of this
company," said Scott McNealy, Sun Microsystems chief executive
officer.
"The release of more than 1,600 patents associated with the
Solaris OS far eclipses any other supplier's contribution to open
source."
Sun said that by releasing the patents it was also helping to
address current concerns and increased scrutiny in US and
international patent laws, which it said "have increasingly granted
overly broad patents on abstract processes".
"By gaining access to these Solaris OS patents, participants in
the open-source community now have a tremendous opportunity to
build unique and innovative technologies for a wide range of
markets," said Stacey Quandt, an analyst at Robert Frances
Group.
"An IP contribution of this magnitude has the potential to
deliver exceptional value to developers and strengthens the overall
open-source community," she said.