ken mays wrote:
...
I hope this GPL/CDDL thing doesn't kill off a nice
idea like OpenSolaris before it really gets out the
gate. I hope we can end this "I hate Linux" mindset
since Linux help launch the open source movement and
got GNU tools/source code to many people. Now that we
have more commercial-grade UNIX kernels an
enterprise-class OS we can take what we learn from
Linux software development and improve them on
OpenSolaris.
Sorry, Ken, but Linux did not help launch the open source
movement. The Open Source movement was around long before
linux (the kernel) and Linux ($distro-du-jour) came on the
scene.
In my mind - and from my experience - what linux did was
build on the work of the Jollitzs to demonstrate that an
unencumbered kernel for cheap hardware was entirely possible.
That made it popular, and popularity helps get people to
think - especially about what else is needed to get make an
operating environment (more than just an OS) off the ground.
The GNU software stack was an essential part of the process.
The first unix-like kernel that I ran on my first PC was linux
v1.0.47 or something. I was ecstatic that I could have the
unix tools to write my uni assignments with and not have to
pay (big) dollars for. I would not trade those experiences for
anything, because they started me on the road to where I am
today.
I also think you are wrong to say that there is an "I hate Linux"
mindset - at least at Sun. Sun has _always_ been a company which
respects technology - there is a lot of inspirational work to
be found in the linux world. There are a lot of people within
Sun who when offered the option of running linux under JDS leapt
at it and who possibly won't return to Solaris. That's not in any
way a problem - for me or anybody else at Sun. What matters is
that you/me/us/our organisation(s) choose the right tool for the
job. Sometimes it is linux, sometimes it is Solaris. You get more
brownie points from Sun people (not that they're worth anything!)
for making the right choice based on your needs and requirements
than for choosing your OS based on your politics.
For me, (Open)Solaris is the right choice -- because I support it,
I sustain it, I develop within its kernel. Until about 18 months
ago I had a sparc5 under my desk at home running debian -- it was
the right choice for the task I needed the hardware to do. But on
the desktop linux isn't right for me. That should not matter to
you one iota.
Finally, yes, Sun made a lot of money from selling sparc and
solaris during the dotcom bubble. So what? I think that since
we started selling intel- and amd-based kit our sales force has
a much easier time of it because their options for providing
you with a solution are so much greater.
best regards,
James C. McPherson
--
Pacrim PTS Engineer 828 Pacific Highway
Gordon NSW
Sun Microsystems Australia 2072
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