Sun aims open source model at emerging markets
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:28:00 06/22/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- For Sun Microsystems, open sourcing its core products like Java and Solaris benefits software developers in emerging markets like the Philippines. The payoff business-wise will come later, according to a top executive.
Sun has made significant moves toward open source, including acquiring MySQL database earlier this year. By allowing developers access to its technologies, Sun is hoping this would drive revenues in terms of hardware and services.
"It's still too early to tell," said Aisling MacRunnels, Sun's senior vice president for software marketing, when asked how this strategy pays off for Sun's business in emerging markets.
"It's taken us a lot of years to develop our code but we have made significant investments in the community and we expect to monetize. I'd say we have the best set of products -- hardware and software -- than we've ever had," she added in an interview with INQUIRER.net.
She also believes Sun is in a better position with OpenSolaris than what happened with Linux.
"We have kernel innovations that Linux didn't have and we have better control against fragmentation within our community," she said.
What this means is that Sun is turning to the open source model to spur innovation among end-users that use its technology while in return generating revenues from end-users that invest, for example, in buying servers.
"It is an opportunity for developers to make themselves "hirable" by having access to our tools," MacRunnels said. "For a bunch of others, it's about making the next Facebook or other applications on the Web."
During its Tech Days developer conference, Sun demonstrated JavaFX, a rich Internet application development tool executives say eases the coding process for developers.
Meanwhile, Matt Thompson, Sun Microsystems senior director for open source and technology outreach, clarified that going open source does not mean Sun is giving its technology totally for free.
"It's not about charity but a partnership (with emerging markets). For us, it's all about enabling developers," he said.
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