Is it too late for open source Java?

But is it already too late?

Developers who commented on Slashdot recently said it is. They said the company's previous proprietary attitude caused them to turn to alternatives like Python and Ruby.

The argument is that too many developers are now trained on Python and Ruby, and too much code is now out there, for Java to win on Linux servers.

Java still has a place in the applet area, through AJAX, but that's not the same thing, even though Java is in the name.

All this could make the upcoming JavaOne conference in San Francisco more than a little interesting, assuming someone brings it up.

Will they? Will you? It might make for good side conversations, over tea.