Originally posted by Jason Kretzer:
I think what you mean is that only Sun is allowed to modify the Java Libraries.
Actually, that hasn't been true for some years now. Sun did invent Java and owns the trademark an licensing rights. The industry complained about Sun having a monopoly on Java, so Sun responed with the JCP (Java Community Process).
Currently, all Java APIs are designed and reviwed by Java Expert Groups. Anyone may apply to be a member of the group, as long as they are part of the Java Community Process. There is a $5K annual fee for a company. For academics I think it's cheaper.
The committee can define the APIs and related specifications. It then goes before the Executive Committee (EC) for review. The EC is made up of 15 elected companies, although I think Sun may have a standing seat.
The proposed APIs (or changes) will be reviwed, first by the Java Community, and then by the public.
I've greatly oversimplied the players and the process, but that's the general idea. See
http://jcp.org/ for more info,
--Mark
[ March 28, 2002: Message edited by: Mark Herschberg ]