NewsForge: Sun Seeks Redemption in Software Licensing

"In my review of Sun Java Desktop System release 2 I criticized Sun Microsystems for imposing such restrictive licensing terms on their customers. A discussion on Groklaw followed, and Sun contacted me to discuss the license and how it might modify it in the future. I had several suggestions, and overall they were happy to have the feedback and eager to make their future license agreements more user friendly. But proprietary thinking dies hard. Will Sun really reduce the restrictions in its licenses?

"A few days ago I spoke with a Sun Microsystems representative who wished to remain anonymous. We talked for a little more than half an hour about licensing issues. Basically, I wanted to communicate the issues I felt were negative about the Java Desktop System license and relay some of the feedback I'd received through email and in forum and blog comments on the matter, and Sun wanted to know how to improve its products to make them more customer-friendly..."

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