On Dec 10, 2010, at 6:31 AM, Puybaret wrote: >>> I sincerely believe in free software but wouldn't build a project like >>> Harmony with the hope that Sun or Oracle would change some conflicting >>> license terms. >> >> I'm sure that Sun's refusal to provide access to the TCK under >> non-discriminatory terms came as a surprise to Apache. The wording of >> the documents governing the JCP and the open sourcing of Java did not >> lead Apache to expect that Sun/Oracle block access to the TCK in order >> to prevent an open independent implementation of Java. > > I'm not new to Java and free software, but new to Harmony, a project I > didn't follow until recently. > Trying to learn Harmony history, it's clear that its announcement on > 2005-05-09 at http://article.gmane.org/gmane.comp.java.classpath.devel/5521 > was long before Sun even decided to choose the GNU GPL for Java on > 2006-11-13 http://www.javalobby.org/java/forums/t84244.html > And anyway even if the TCK was finally available under GNU GPL, the > ASF wouldn't be probably satisfied because they would like it to be > under Apache license and not GNU GPL. > Sorry to be rude, but this fact makes me believe that Apache built > Harmony on promises.
Actually, a TCK under the GPL would be fine. ASF projects are free to use software under different licenses. They can only distribute software that is under the Apache license. And yes, Apache started Harmony based on expectations and promises, neither of which were fulfilled. It was a breach of trust by Sun. It isn't a lot different than you having a contract with someone that they are going to perform work on your house and you then adopting a child with plans for the child to live in the new room being constructed. Only the contractor doesn't do the work. Unfortunately, in this case the ASF didn't have the option of getting a new contractor. Ralph -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Java Posse" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/javaposse?hl=en.
