...the value of taking Java to Open Source. The first point, though, is whether MS's efforts to pollute the language are the only reason why Java is not being opened up. I think Sun is fighting the battle on old grounds to suggest that MS mutilating the language is the reason why they can't do it.

Now, if Sun wants to argue there's no value in opening up Java, then let them make the case. Just stop trying to blame MS for it. MS no longer represents an internal threat to Java and the definition. It's decided to attack Java externally with no reliance on Sun technology.

As for reasons of opening up Java, the library is still a shambles in many respects. Swing and the rest of the Java desktop front pretty well bites. It's time to get some more help on the massive API's that Sun has laid out on the table.

And that's not to mention the possibility of using the JVM for languages other than Java - something Sun has resisted from the beginning.