I've been watching the rise of Google's Mobile OS Android, with bated breath. In part it's because I feel the Android OS is a huge part of the development of mobile thin clients. Couple these new clients with Cloud Computing and you'll understand why I can't wait to see what new mobile phones, tablets and applications are already in the works (I am a huge Chromium OS Fan, maybe it's already on the way?). On Friday we learned that Larry Ellison's Oracle also has an interest in Android. Nope, Larry Ellison isn't looking for a new phone Oracle's interest in Android however is based off a few patents and also the famed RE38,104. It's these patents which now have Google and Oracle embroiled in a Silicon Valley Smackdown.
So what's the deal? Oracle purchased Sun Microsystems over a year ago and with it patents on the open source language Java. Again, I will repeat OPEN SOURCED Java. What does Oracle hope to gain? A whole boatload of cash if they win. What does Oracle gain if they don't challenge Google? Nothing at all. A few years ago Sun tried to position themselves between Google and handset manufacturers with Java Micro Edition. Google however did an end run and developed Davlik to replace Java Micro Edition. Let's just say that Sun was not happy as it meant missing out on a huge amount of money in licensing deals.
The lawsuit is not about killing Android. If anything Oracle wants to sign a nice fat contract full of licensing agreements. With Android sales taking off who wouldn't want to cash in? The biggest question of course, who will win? No one knows yet and Google has not yet released their stance but in a sign of ensuing ugliness it looks like at least we'll get a jury trial.
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