Oracle and Google are in a deep conflict regarding Oracle’s platform and programming language Java, which Oracle says Google is using without consent and is breaking into patents and the use of Java. New, or more precise an old blog entry, by Sun Microsystem’s VP has surfaced that might void the whole case.
Oracle has asked for billions in damages from Google for unlawful use of Java code in Android for smartphones. This has resulted in one of the biggest suits in years, but a blog post from Jonathan Schwartz could render the whole scandal null since he doesn’t just welcome Google, but also gave them active support and help with Java code.
Before Oracle’s acquisition of Sun Microsystems, which then was the rightful owner of Java, VP of Sun Microsystems Jonathan Schwartz gave thumbs up for Google to use Java. The blog has since then been deleted from the site, but has resurfaced where he welcomes Google to Java and announces that it is a big day for the open source community:
“I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of others from Sun in offering my heartfelt congratulations to Google on the announcement of their new Java/Linux platform, Android. Congratulations!
I’d also like Sun to be the first platform software company to commit to a complete developer environment around the platform, as we throw Sun’s NetBeans developer platform for mobile devices behind the effort. We’ve obviously done a ton of work to support developers on all Java based platforms, and were pleased to add Google’s Android to the list.
And needless to say, Google and the Open Handset Alliance just strapped another set of rockets to the community’s momentum – and to the vision defining opportunity across our (and other) planets.
Today is an incredible day for the open source community, and a massive endorsement of two of the industry’s most prolific free software communities, Java and Linux.” Jonathan Schwartz, VD Sun Microsystems 5 november 2007
There is not much to add and the grand question is if Oracle has hid the blog on purpose, or if it just disappeared with the acquisition? One thing is for certain though, Oracle has a lot less ground to stand on its case against Google.
Source: Digitimes
