Ean R . Schuessler Writes: > produce a free implementation of the published specs. The SCSL does NOT > ALLOW IT. > > According to the SCSL, an implementation of specifications published > under the SCSL is considered a _derivative_work_ and is still covered > by the terms of the SCSL. The SCSL states that you cannot use SCSL covered > code for any commercial purpose (this includes internal use) without > executing a licensing agreement with Sun. This, of course, is not compatible > with any notion of free software.
This has been discussed before. I have pointed out that you do NOT need to sign the SCSL to purchase a book that describes the specification of the JVM and the Java 2 class libraries. It *IS* possible to fully implement these specs without agreeing to the SCSL. > The SCSL is the terms of distribution for Jini, universally. > The SCSL is the terms of distribution for the new JDK, almost universally. Define "almost universally". I have NEVER signed the SCSL and I have free access (well maybe the purchase of a book) to the spec of the JVM and the Java class libraries that Sun's JDK 1.2 are based on. > The SCSL is the future of Sun licensing. Maybe. I would be surprised if they stopped publishing books though. And I would be even more surprised if they started requiring people to sign the SCSL to buy their book. I would also think the new standards group they went to (I forget the name) is going to accept their proposal to standardize Java if the JVM/Java class libraries spec is *ONLY* available under the SCSL. > So, I guess what you are saying is that you are a Sun supporter before you > are a free software supporter and that you absolutely disagree with the > concept of not paying Sun for _everything_ that is done in the future with > Java. Oh yup, took the words right out of my mouth. I also send Sun signed blank checks every month. The day Sun starts charging for the JDK and/or the Spec it is based on, is the day I will begin a career change. I support free software, but I guess I am not as "commited" to the idea that any software that is "not free" is evil. ---- Cris J H -- Cris J. Holdorph [EMAIL PROTECTED]
