Plenary: Angus MacDonald, Sun Microsystems

Wed Sep 1 23:34:27 EST 2004

Challenges around OSS

Not really free - there's a 5-10% cost in getting the source code, so there's a TCO involved (what? A question was asked but he wasn't certain as to how to clarify)
Plethora of licenses - what do you choose? How do you not step on the toes of another license?
Who indemnifies you from IP, patents, and patent violations?
Interesting dilemma in regards to funding - projects fail when funding ends, or when the government stops support. Its important to have funding all the time.
Need support structure - local, even

Why (Sun) do(es) OSS?

Shared innovation (helps increase the developer count, which Sun themselves can never afford)
Customer & Partner benefits
Increased quality & security
Future direction (is going to be OSS)
Sociological phenomenon
Base for future evolution

Sun's JDS - Subscription based model, just like RHEL. Also, visit www.sunsource.net to see all the OSS projects Sun's involved in.