Solaris[tm] 8 Source

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic elements of the Free Solaris™ Source License Program?

What can I do with the Solaris 8 source code under the license?

When and where can I order my Solaris 8 source code media kit?

The Solaris 8 Source Code License includes a section that says I must treat the Solaris 8 source code as confidential information at all times. What does that mean?

Can I make a copy of the Solaris 8 source code and share it with others? Can I pass my copy of the Solaris 8 source code on to someone else?

What rights will I have if I make additions to the Solaris software?

What rights will I have if I make modifications to the Solaris software?

Can I share my modifications with someone else?

If I want to tell others about my modifications to the Solaris 8 source code, or want to sell my modifications, how do I get the word out? I don't want the modifications themselves posted to the site.

If there are modifications to the Solaris 8 source code posted on the Sun Web site that I want to use myself, can I do so?

I think my modifications to the Solaris 8 source code should become part of the standard Solaris Operating Environment. How can I persuade Sun to incorporate my changes?

Can I generate binary copies of the standard version of the Solaris 8 software from the Solaris 8 source code?

Can I generate binary copies of a modified version of the Solaris 8 software?

Can I use a modified binary version of the Solaris 8 software internally?

Will my support contract cover my use of a modified binary version of Solaris software?

Can I redistribute a modified binary version of the Solaris™ 8 Operating Environment outside my own organization?

Can I create a new localized version of Solaris?

If the Solaris 8 binary versions aren't available until the beginning of March 2000, when will the Solaris 8 source code be available?

If anybody is allowed to modify Solaris software, how will I know that the applications I use will continue to work?

I'm an ISV. How can I be sure the applications I write will continue to work?

I'm an ISV. Can I use parts of the Solaris 8 source code in my application?

1. What are the basic elements of the Free Solaris™ Source License Program?

Sun is making its Solaris 8 source code available to everyone who accepts the confidentiality and other terms of the Solaris 8 Source Code License. There are no fees for the license to use the source code; you only pay for the media kit (containing the software) and for shipping.

2. What can I do with the Solaris 8 source code under the license?

Solaris source code licensees can use the source code for research, evaluation, development, educational, reference, or personal use. You can use the source code to innovate by creating additions to the Solaris Operating Environment, or by modifying the Solaris software itself (e.g., removing some functionality to run an embedded device or appliance). Supplemental licenses are available for internal and external deployment of a modified binary version of the Solaris 8 software, but certain restrictions apply. See details below.

3. When and where can I order my Solaris 8 source code media kit?

You can register for your Solaris 8 source code media kit at the Free Solaris Source License Program Web site, http://www.sun.com/solaris/source. Because the Solaris 8 source code will not be available until the third quarter of 2000, Sun will not start taking orders for the media kits until closer to the ship date. If you register now, Sun will contact you to let you know when you can place your order.

4. The Solaris 8 Source Code License includes a section that says I must treat the Solaris 8 source code as confidential information at all times. What does that mean?

The source code must be securely maintained at the customer's site at all times. The customer must follow the standard procedures necessary to comply with confidentiality restrictions.

5. Can I make a copy of the Solaris 8 source code and share it with others? Can I pass my copy of the Solaris 8 source code on to someone else?

No in both cases. Because of legal restrictions, all Solaris source code licensees must receive the source code directly from Sun, and then only after they have accepted the terms of the Solaris Source Code License. So although you can use the Solaris 8 source code anywhere inside your organization, you cannot give copies of the source code or even transfer your CDs to anyone else.

6. What rights will I have if I make additions to the Solaris software?

As long as you do not use any Solaris 8 source code, you will own the intellectual property and other rights in your creations as provided by law.

7. What rights will I have if I make modifications to the Solaris software?

You will own the intellectual property and other rights in your creations as provided by law. You will not have any rights in or to the underlying Solaris code.

8. Can I share my modifications with someone else?

The Solaris Source Code License allows licensees to share their modifications to the Solaris 8 source code with other Solaris 8 source code licensees, but only when the modifications are relayed to the third party through Sun. Specifically, you must provide the modifications to Sun, and Sun will then post them on a secure Web site that is only accessible to other Solaris 8 source code licensees. You are strictly prohibited from transferring any portion of the Solaris 8 source code directly to a third party. If you have created additions to the Solaris software that do not incorporate any Solaris source code whatsoever, you are free to share those additions with anyone else without restriction.

9. If I want to tell others about my modifications to the Solaris 8 source code, or want to sell my modifications, how do I get the word out? I don't want the modifications themselves posted to the site.

You can post a notice to the Solaris 8 source licensee community indicating that you have modifications that you're willing to talk about verbally, or are willing to make on behalf of others (for a fee). If you plan to redistribute a modified binary version of the Solaris 8 software, you must sign a redistribution agreement with Sun, and there may be a royalty fee owed.

10. If there are modifications to the Solaris 8 source code posted on the Sun Web site that I want to use myself, can I do so?

Always check the terms and notes on the postings to be sure you are in compliance with the governing terms and conditions.

11. I think my modifications to the Solaris 8 source code should become part of the standard Solaris Operating Environment. How can I persuade Sun to incorporate my changes?

You can choose to share your modifications of the Solaris 8 source code with Sun via the Web site. Sun, at its option, can then determine whether it will incorporate those modifications into the standard Solaris Operating Environment. Sun cannot guarantee that it will be able to accept all contributions from licensees. Sun will review each contribution and incorporate those that make sense.

12. Can I generate binary copies of the standard version of the Solaris 8 software from the Solaris 8 source code?

You are free to do so, though you may prefer to take advantage of the Free Solaris Binary License Program. The license is free for use on systems with a capacity of eight or fewer CPUs, so you pay only the cost of the media and shipping. For larger systems, there is a license fee. Registration requirements and other restrictions will apply to any binaries generated from the Solaris 8 source code.

13. Can I generate binary copies of a modified version of the Solaris 8 software?

Recompilation will require use of the Sun Workshop C compiler. It is unlikely that fragments will compile using GNU C, but if they do, it is unlikely to produce satisfactory results. The Forte Workshop C compiler is available as a 30 day evaluation copy at no charge or at extra cost through SunStore. Education institutions and students worldwide have access to Forte workshop products for no cost, see press release (http://www.sun.com/smi/Press/sunflash/2000-02/sunflash.20000202.5.html)

14. Can I use a modified binary version of the Solaris 8 software internally?

Yes, if you sign an additional agreement giving you these rights, you can use modified binaries internally on systems with a capacity of eight or fewer processors. You must, however, track and report the number and type of systems on which you install the modified binary version of the Solaris 8 software.

15. Will my support contract cover my use of a modified binary version of Solaris software?

If you have a support contract with Sun or one of its resellers, you should notify your account representative that you are planning to run a modified version of the Solaris Operating Environment and provide documentation of the changes. There may be an extra charge for supporting modified Solaris 8 binaries, or, if the modifications are not well-documented, cause unpredictable behavior, or are too extensive, your support provider may not be able to deliver meaningful support for your modified version of the Solaris software. If you have questions, contact your support provider.

16. Can I redistribute a modified binary version of the Solaris 8 Operating Environment outside my own organization?

You may redistribute modified binaries of the Solaris software externally only if you satisfy all of the following requirements:

Enter a formal OEM or redistribution agreement with Sun and comply with its terms (you may owe a royalty)
Obtain a backline support contract from Sun
Obtain a source code support contract from Sun
Provide Sun with documentation about your changes to the Solaris 8 source code (and training, if necessary)
Provide a complete copy of the modified source code and a modified binary code version to Sun
Take the Solaris compatibility test (fee charged) to determine whether you can use a Solaris brand under a trademark license agreement from Sun
Maintain interoperability and compatibility with the standard version of the Solaris Operating Environment throughout the product's lifetime, as measured by the compatibility test

17. Can I create a new localized version of Solaris?

Yes. It is recommended that you contact Sun's Global Products Office to discuss your plans; there may be materials about previous localizations that would be useful to you. Please note: a localization is considered a modification of the Solaris Operating Environment, and all the terms and restrictions applicable to modifications will apply to your localized version.

18. If the Solaris 8 binary versions aren't available until the end of February, 2000, when will the Solaris 8 source code be available?

The Solaris 8 source code media kit is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2000.

19. If anybody is allowed to modify Solaris software, how will I know that the applications I use will continue to work?

Sun will always define and control the direction of the Solaris Operating Environment. While modified versions of Solaris software may be created, Sun's version will be the standard implementation and will be the basis for compatibility tests.

20. I'm an ISV. How can I be sure the applications I write will continue to work?

See above. Sun will always define and control the direction of the Solaris Operating Environment, and modified versions will have to pass a compatibility test to be allowed to use the Solaris brand. Always check your application with the AppCert tool, which verifies that you have used only published APIs. If your application passes the test and you meet other program criteria, Sun guarantees it will run on the standard version of Solaris.

21. I'm an ISV. Can I use parts of the Solaris 8 source code in my application?

No, you cannot include lines of Solaris source code in your application unless you enter into a license agreement with Sun. You can use the source code for background reference but should write only to published APIs to ensure compatibility with future Solaris software releases.