What do Java SE customers buy from Sun?
The JRE and JDK binaries themselves will remain zero cost downloads. End-user customers can buy subscriptions and one-time engagements for enterprise-class support from Sun for Java SE, including:
* High quality, optimized performance binaries released on a predictable schedule.
* Packaged updates, patches, and security fixes.
* Break/fix support including customer-specific bug fixes delivered out of cycle.
* Branding: Access to trademark and logo licenses including "Java Powered".
* Installation, custom engineering services.
* Training, education.
* Developer support.
Commercial source code licensees may optionally buy additional services and gain additional rights, including:
* The right to ship binaries derived from custom modified source code.
* The right to make modifications to the source code without putting those modifications back into the open-source code commons.
* The right to use the "Java Compatible" logo for compliant custom implementations.
* Porting services.
* Custom development and engineering support services.
* Upgrades and updates to the source.
* Performance tuning services.
* Binary support.
* Testing services, including TCK testing.
* Training.
In addition, some customers needing specialized versions of Java SE for embedded and real-time applications may purchase licenses to these added-value implementations. We're also investigating support services that could be offered optionally to customers who prefer to "do it themselves" using the open-source code base, but need a bit of additional help.
Why purchase these added value services and implementations from Sun?
Sun, the only systems vendor to have open-sourced nearly its entire software portfolio, enables customers to leverage a number of unique advantages that only it can offer, including:
* The economic advantages of the open-source business model through a larger range of the stack.
* Recognized "gold standard" Java SE and Java ME implementations on which the open-source communities are eager to innovate.
* Choice of GPL license that maximizes the value of the open-source code commons and maximizes incentives for compatibility, while creating an opportunity to monetize commercial licenses and support services for licensees.
* The ability to tap many of the key architects and creators of Java technology, including for support and tuning services.
* Systems optimized to run Java applications with superior throughput, power, and space characteristics.
* Development tools including NetBeans and Sun Studio that deliver increased productivity for developers.
In addition, Sun brings unique expertise and knowledge of both Java technology and open-source best practices to the table. This combination will help Sun establish OpenJDK as the most compelling open-source community for innovation, allowing Sun to gain maximum benefit from the open-source initiative. Some of these advantages include:
* Experience at both understanding and balancing the needs of the diverse and complex Java ecosystem.
* Unmatched developer outreach and community development expertise.
* World-class ability to combine rigorous, enterprise-class development processes and open-source transparency, bringing together the best of community development with top-quality, on-time delivery of commercial products.
* Proven success at delivering scalable community infrastructure that manages the largest open-source projects on earth.
* Vision and commitment to participation, transparency, open development, and collaboration.
* Deep understanding of F/OSS community concerns and aspirations, and a practical perspective on balancing the needs of community with the interests of customers.
* Best practice policies and procedures for taking large code bases open source, balancing concerns and monetizing adoption and ubiquity, all while respecting intellectual property rights.
How will Sun's Java ME business be affected?
Sun is confident that licensees will continue to leverage Java ME commercial products and services that help them deliver an exciting and compelling mobile internet experience to consumers. As a result, we expect our business opportunities to multiply based on the improved economics that easy access to source code will bring.