![Solaris[tm] Product: Solaris[tm] 8 Overview](images/header-solaris-source.gif)
Free Solaris 8 Source License Program
Overview
The new release confirms it: Solaris 8 is the premier Operating
Environment for the dotcom age, with an unsurpassed combination of service
level, availability, manageability, security and trustworthiness. There's only one way to improve it: You.
For those with the desire and the skill to innovate, Sun offers a new tool for
creativity a no-cost license to use the Solaris 8 source code. Any individual
or organization can get a copy of the source code and use it to create the
next killer app or service.
How does it work?
Once you register for the program and accept the terms of the Solaris
Source Code License, you'll be granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free
right to use the Solaris 8 source code for research, evaluation,
development, education, reference and personal use. The media kit with
the software costs $75 U.S.; shipping charges are extra. Supplemental
licenses can extend your rights: one license permits you to run a
modified binary version of the Solaris software in your own
organization; another license permits the external redistribution of
modified Solaris software.
The license includes important confidentiality provisions and
prohibits you from transferring the Solaris 8 source code to any third
party, since only those who register with Sun and accept the license
and confidentiality terms may receive access to the source code.
Specific limitations apply to the internal or external use of a
modified binary version of the Solaris 8 software.
The Solaris 8 Free
Source Licensing Program will be rolled out in a phased approach. Phase
I will include providing Solaris 8 Source to existing source licensees
and source contract holders. Phase II may include the creation of a
"click through" Source License Agreement for partners and source
enthusiasts for research, evaluation, development, education and
reference. Phase III is planned to include Redistribution Agreements
for those partners interested in redistribution of modified Solaris in
binary form.
For more information, please review the Free Solaris Source
License Program FAQ.
What can I do with the code?
Under the terms of the license, you are free to modify, compile and use
any changes you make. Although there is no limit to what you may
change, there are limitations on what you may do with those changes.
You may not redistribute any portion of the Solaris 8 source code
internally or externally, which means you may not make copies or pass
your CDs on to someone else. Similarly, although you will retain any
intellectual property and other rights provided to you by law, you do
not have the right to redistribute any portion of the Solaris 8 source
code that you received from Sun. If you want to make your source code
modifications available to other Solaris source code licensees, you can
do so by passing the changes back to Sun, and Sun will then post them
to a secure website that you and other registered users may access.
How do I register?
You will be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and
your organization when you register at the web site. The information
will be used to tell you about Solaris updates, bug fixes, support
options, and other matters related directly to Solaris.
If you would like to be notified when the Solaris 8 source code is
available, please fill out our email form page.
Closer to the expected availability date of early in the third quarter
2000, you will receive an email with information about how to register
and order your media kit. You may also wish to check back at this site
for updates.
Where can I learn more about Solaris?
For information about Solaris 8 and other Sun Software, visit www.sun.com/software/.
You'll also want to check out
related offerings, like source code support options, porting and
custom engineering services, and the Solaris branding program for OEMs
and appliance makers. There will also be a community website
strictly for Solaris 8 source code licensees, where you will be able
to submit your modifications to Sun, share ideas and see postings from
other innovators. For those who use the standard Solaris software in a
production environment, Solaris 8 Adoption Services are available to
get existing customers switched over to the new release quickly and
easily.
Is the runtime license for the Solaris 8 Operating Environment also
free?
There is also a Free Solaris Binary Code License program. If you
register and accept the terms of Sun's Solaris Binary Code License,
you'll be granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to use the
Solaris 8 software within your organization all you have to do is pay
the cost of media and shipping. To learn more, refer to the
Free Solaris Binary License Program page.
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