IBM calls on Sun to give up Java stranglehold

Sun Microsystems' chief ally in Java development has called for the company to hand over control of the language to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

Speaking at the Java Business Expo, IBM executives said Sun should concentrate on developing Java Development Kits (JDKs) and leave the over-all maturation of the language to "outside forces".

Gary Barnett, analyst at Ovum, said: "Sun is likely to take anything that IBM says very seriously, it's the principle ally when it comes to Java as it's an important contributor to developing Java technology."

"There have been one or two minor cracks in the Java alliance. There have been one or two grumblings about the way Sun licences the technology and various contractual conditions that apply," he added.

However, Barnett questioned the effect it would have on Java's fruition. "But passing the technology on to the ISO could mean that the whole development process will become more tortuous."

Simon Moores, head of the UK's Java Forum, agreed: "It's in the industry's interest to open it up, but anything run by a committee often ends in conversation with nothing happening."

Sun and IBM were unavailable for comment.