Sun launches open source OpenSSO for identity management
Sun Microsystems' OpenSSO Enterprise is a major upgrade over its Sun Java System Access Manager predecessor and analysts say it's an intriguing open source model for major commercial products.
OpenSSO Enterprise, announced today, combines access management, federation and secure Web services in a single product. It was built in collaboration with the OpenSSO project which is based on Access Manager code. The core components are available for download.
Sun Microsystems Inc. has staked a lot on its open source initiatives to enhance its stature in the development community, strengthen its offerings, and, of course, boost sales.
"I want to see how this conversation with practitioners around open source and downloading identity management as open source pieces translates into c-level conversations in the board room and actual sales," said Andras Cser, senior analyst at Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester Research Inc.
John Barco, Sun's director of product management said OpenSSO represents the company's overall strategy for making all operating system software open source.
"As we gain more experience with putting open source projects on the market, we're hearing a lot from customers about why they are increasingly interested in vendors that offer open source products and software," Barco said.
He cited transparency about the product, the code and the development roadmap, so customers know what features are coming. In that vein, the new model will give customers the option of downloading fully tested product updates at three-month intervals, or wait for the full annual update release. Barco said the open source approach allows this kind of schedule, as the community participation helps vet new releases.
