Oracle tries to hide Sun blog posts backing Java in Android
updated 01:35 pm EDT, Sat July 23, 2011
Oracle deletes pro-Android Java posts
Oracle has tried to cover up some of Sun's support of Android in its attempts to back its lawsuit against Google. The company deleted a blog post from 2007 (cached) from the then head of Sun, Jonathan Schwartz, not only accepted Google's use of Java in Android but gave "heartfelt congratulations" for its use. Visiting the direct link now produces a 404 error.
Other Sun employees' posts are still up, even for Google's convert James Gosling.
The Schwartz posts aren't just contradictory for Oracle but could potentially tarnish its case. Google has repeatedly stated that Sun not only didn't sue over Java's use as a core of Android but was actively supportive. At one point, it cited the Schwartz post as evidence of the harmony over patents. Legal action only came several months after Oracle bought Sun and allegedly decided it could use Android royalties as a revenue stream.
Google may not have much success using the argument since instances have been seen of code in Android that in some cases still has Sun's original copyrights. Lately, the company has shown signs it would be willing to settle the lawsuit rather than face the hundreds of millions or billions of dollars in damages, and a possible ban, from losing outright in a trial. [via CNET]
