Sun along with Canonical has launched free Java stack for Ubuntu users. The stack has been created from NetBeans IDE 5.5, Java SE, GlassFish and Derby-based Java DB 10.2. Though Java components have been around for a while but this is for the first time that it will be possible to download and install the stack with ease. Sun and Canonical had shook hands in 2006 and this was probably expected sooner or later.

Ian Murdock, Chief Open Source Platforms Officer, Sun stated:

What we're announcing is a continuation of the Sun-Canonical partnership which began last summer when Java was open sourced, and slightly before that when the JDK was released under the DLJ--the distribution license for Java--which allowed it to be placed into Linux distributions.

Ubuntu 7.04 which is the first Linux variant is offering an integrated set of Java development tools. It seems Sun wants to get closer to Linux and keep Red Hat out of the picture. The partnership wants to put pressure on Red Hat which is the biggest distributor of Linux and commands a serious threat to displace unix in data center. Looks like Sun has played a smart game!!