JBoss Joins the JCP - But J2EE License Issue Still Unresolved @ JDJ

(September 24, 2003) - With the stated goal of promoting Java, JBoss Group LLC has joined the Java Community Process (JCP). Under the agreement, JBoss developers can now participate in the expert groups that develop Java standards, including J2EE. Like all commercial entities, JBoss will pay Sun $5,000 annually to qualify for JCP participation. JBoss developers had previously joined the JCP, but on an individual basis; now JBoss is a JCP member as a corporate entity. "JCP is pleased to see JBoss join the community and welcomes their contributions through the community; it's a commitment to compatibility," said Onno Kluyt, director, JCP PMO.

Unresolved is the issue of whether JBoss should pay to license J2EE. JBoss says it should be exempt from paying for the Technology Compatibility Kit, because of its open-source base. The TCKs can cost from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. JBoss' licensing fees are expected to be in the six-figure range. Sun offers a scholarship program for open-source initiatives, but has disputed JBoss' eligibility. A Sun spokesperson noted that, "whether an effort that is applying for a grant uses an open source software license, while interesting, is not relevant to deciding on the grant."

Fleury recently had commented regarding the J2EE licensing issue "We are still in negotiations. I'm pretty confident we will get certified."