Sun Open Sources Solaris: Legal Challenges Ahead

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SUMMARY

Sun Microsystems has announced the decision to open source Solaris, which is expected to enhance its viability on x86 platforms. The discussion highlights potential legal challenges related to UNIX trademarks, particularly concerning compliance with standards such as POSIX and XPG3. Participants express confidence that Sun does not claim Solaris as UNIX and believe that any proprietary code can be removed prior to the open-source release. Overall, the move is seen as a significant opportunity for Solaris in the competitive landscape of operating systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of UNIX trademarks and legal implications
  • Familiarity with open-source licensing models
  • Knowledge of POSIX and XPG3 standards
  • Experience with Solaris operating system features
NEXT STEPS
  • Research UNIX trademark ownership and legal precedents
  • Explore open-source licensing frameworks applicable to Solaris
  • Study POSIX compliance and its impact on operating systems
  • Investigate the features of Solaris on x86 architecture
USEFUL FOR

Software developers, legal professionals in technology, system administrators, and anyone interested in the evolution of open-source operating systems.

dduardo
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I don't know what Sun is thinking but they have decided to open source solaris:

http://news.com.com/'Open+Source+Solaris'+to+debut+this+year/2100-7344_3-5364052.html

What I'm wondering is how they are going to get through all the legal issues involving UNIX(tm).
 
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This will finally give x86 Solaris a chance.

I don't know of any possible legal issues that might arise. I don't think Sun claims that Solaris is UNIX. In fact, the Linux kernel has many features that allow AT&T SVR4 binary compability. Linux, unlike BSD's, also has a very System 5ish-like features (init.d and such). You don't see anybody suing (except SCO) the Linux developers (not that a centralized orgainzation to sue exists, anyways). I remember reading somewhere that SGI owned the UNIX trademark for awhile, I imagine OG owns it now.

Open sourcing a real UNIX, shouldn't be an issue. Solaris is just complying with all the standards, POSIX, XPG3, which aren't propiertary. If Solaris does contain some private code, from AT&T for example, they'll have plenty of time to weed it out before they release "Open Source Solaris."

Solaris is starting to look *very* promising (for x86, at least).
 
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