Apache's Ongoing Licensing Bout with Sun
The recently updated Java Specification Requests (JSRs) show that the licensing battle between the Apache Software Foundation and Sun Microsystems (the force behind Java) still hasn't ended after raging for seven years.
Sun's table of JSR reviews per company show nice little green check
marks next to Google, Fujitsu, HP and many others. Apache is the only one marked with a big red X. The vote log for Apache includes the statement,
"Apache must regretfully vote 'No' for JSR-316, as we contend that the spec lead - Sun Microsystems - is not complying with the JSPA [Java Specification
Participation Agreement] with respect to Java SE TCK [Technology Compatibility Kit] licensing. We believe that members of the JCP [Java Community Process] that do not comply with the letter and spirit of the governing rules should not be allowed to lead JSRs." The Java Community Process is a collaborative wherein participating developers and organizations decide about the further development of the Java programming language.
Apache Harmony, an Apache Software Foundation (ASF) project, is tasked to address any disharmony with Open Source Java SE. Developers have been
complaining that the test kit license for Java SE didn't meet the principles of free software and was too restrictive in its usage. According to the ASF,
Harmony has been using the Apache license instead of the General Public License (GPL) and the Java Compatibility Kit (JCK) license should be made
compatible. The first public complaints in this regard go as far back as 2002.
At least some parts of the Java community are pretty annoyed. The JavaLobby blog from Irish developer James Sugrue looks into the reason for the conflict and ends, "With the OpenJDK available
anyway, does Harmony still have a place in the community?" Other commentators have been looking for solutions. Red Hat, for example,
supplemented its "yes" vote with the comment, "in the future, for any submitted JSR (by Sun Microsystems or not), we will specifically expect the
spec lead to provide clear information on that aspect and take the answer in account when casting our vote."
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.