"IBM is a strong supporter of the open-source community and we believe that a first class open-source Java implementation would further enhance Java's position in the industry by spurring growth of new applications and encouraging new innovation in the Java platform," Smith wrote.
IBM's offer, however, did not mean it was willing to open source its WebSphere application server, the crown jewels of its software platform.
"We're proposing open sourcing Java, not IBM's Java implementation, which of course would be WebSphere," IBM spokesman Steve Eisenstadt said. "We're talking about the underlying Java virtual machine, class libraries within Java and other foundation technology."
IBM also would want other companies using Java to join in the discussions, Eisenstadt said.
Sun's ownership of Java, a technology that the company created, has caused friction for years between Sun and other companies dependent on the technology for their own products. Standards for the platform used to develop and run business applications is currently set by the Java Community Process, an industry group established by Sun.
Discover the benefits of scalable backbone and network services for application and cloud providers.
Network automation is gaining momentum. Here's how you can drive this powerful technology to its full potential.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
