Sun reluctant to make Java open source

Sun Microsystems is reluctant to make Java source code available through an open-source model because it would encourage incompatible versions
of the software, Sun’s top software executive said.

During a press briefing here Tuesday, Jonathan Schwartz, Sun’s executive vice president of software, indicated that the company is not inclined to
take up IBM’s offer to work with Sun to make Java technology open source because of concerns over compatibility.

Schwartz and other Sun executives also revealed details on the company’s product plans, including upcoming Linux and Windows versions of the Java
Enterprise System, more closely linked security products, and a management console for converting Microsoft Office macros to the Java Desktop System.
Sun confirmed plans to offer per citizen pricing for its bundles of Java software to countries in developing nations.