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Sun's developer gambit

If Sun's ever going to popularize the use of Solaris, it must find a way to flourish in the x86 world. But can it convince developers to sign up for the job?

Charles Cooper Former Executive Editor / News
Charles Cooper was an executive editor at CNET News. He has covered technology and business for more than 25 years, working at CBSNews.com, the Associated Press, Computer & Software News, Computer Shopper, PC Week, and ZDNet.
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Charles Cooper
Sun poised to take open-source Solaris step Sun's been so low for so long that it's tempting to write the company off. But as a card-carrying contrarian, I especially like the new move to woo developers.

If Sun is ever going to popularize the use of Solaris, currying favor with developers is crucial. Over the next year, Sun must find a way for its operating system to flourish in the x86 world and sharing source code from the Unix version of Solaris is a step in the right direction.

But marketing slogans alone won't do the trick, not with this constituency. It all depends on what Sun's got to offer -- and there better be a big carrot when management gets up on stage Tuesday. If Sun can't convince these folks to write more Solaris-based apps for machines powered by Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, then yes, it may be time to back up the dump truck. With the stock trading under 5 bucks, the conventional wisdom has it that Sun's only delaying the inevitable.

These aren't the best of times in Sun-land but put things in perspective. After all, we're not talking about a one-trick pony. Sun has good technology, lots of customers and billions in cash reserves. As with everything, of course, it all depends on execution. So place your bets now. Watching how this story unfolds, we'll soon find out whether CEO Jonathan Schwartz is as smart as he thinks he is.