Quote: OpenOffice.org ditches Oracle, establishes Document Foundation Renames software LibreOffice
The developers behind OpenOffice.org have ditched old partner Oracle, renamed their office software suite, and set up a new organisation called the Document Foundation as part of a significant revamp of the open source project.
OpenOffice was established in 2000 with the sponsorship of Sun Microsystems, which was later acquired by Oracle. The original development of the project was by a German-based software firm called Star Division, which Sun acquired in 1999. Oracle's later acquisition of Sun gave it significant control over the entire project, something which many of the developers clearly weren't keen about.
The Document Foundation said it has invited Oracle to become a member of the Foundation, which is probably an attempt to avoid conflict with it over OpenOffice. It has also asked Oracle to donate the brand name of OpenOffice to the Foundation so that it can continue to use that name. Until then it will be renamed LibreOffice.
The Foundation said that this decision to part ways with Oracle and go it alone was made “to fulfil the promise of independence written in the original charter”. It said that this move will generate increased competition and choice, benefiting customers. |