Java Open-Source Debate Continues

Still, Sun must move toward open source in order for Java to thrive. It's not a question of philosophy; it's a matter of survival. Java took the world by storm through both substance and buzz. Now the buzz has faded, and Microsoft's .Net looms. Despite its mistakes with next-generation languages and APIs, Microsoft is now showing some signs of eventually re-creating the runaway success of the original Visual Basic. And Java still isn't as easy to use as Visual Studio.

Sun and Java need the help of the army of open-source programmers. Java needs the buzz an open-source move would generate. And open source is the one business model Microsoft can't kill.