Sun Microsystems is handing over more than 1,600 patents to
software developers as part of its decision to make its Solaris
operating system open source.
Developers will have access to code under Sun's Opensolaris
programme, which allows them to apply for a Common Development and
Distribution Licence.
"As the largest business contributor to the open source community,
Sun has always been an ardent believer in open standards. The open
source process goes back to the inception of the company," said
Scott McNealy, Sun Microsystems' chief executive.
"The release of more than 1,600 patents associated with the Solaris
OS far eclipses any other contribution to open source."
Sun said that by releasing the patents it was helping address 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 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.
"A contribution of this magnitude has the potential to deliver
exceptional value to developers and strengthen the overall open
source community."