Java ME goes open source

After years of requests and debates, Sun Microsystems (NSDQ: JAVA) is finally releasing the Java source code under a Linux-friendly GPL license (GPLv2). The formal “governance” structure is not yet established, and developers can already get a a buildable implementation of Java ME and the first pieces of source code for Java SE.

Sun is also set to release additional source code including its advanced operation system phone implementation and the framework for the Java Device Test Suite, before the end of the year. The company is also “freeing” JavaC compiler, JavaHelp and Java HotSpot technology.

Now with its code open, where this leads JavaME? Sun is hopping that the open source Java will accelerate the development and evolution of the platform, reduce fragmentation and drive down development costs throughout the Java ME ecosystem. What do you think?