# OpenSolaris for System z

> discontinued OpenSolaris OS port to IBM System z

**Wikidata**: [Q4045882](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4045882)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenSolaris_for_System_z)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/opensolaris-for-system-z

## Summary
OpenSolaris for System z was a discontinued port of the OpenSolaris operating system designed for the IBM System z mainframe platform. It functioned as system software to manage computer hardware resources on IBM Z architecture. The project was distributed under the Common Development and Distribution License and had a noted version release in October 2008.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Instance of an operating system.
- **Series**: Part of the OpenSolaris series.
- **Platform**: Designed for IBM Z (IBM System z).
- **License**: Distributed under the Common Development and Distribution License (CDDL).
- **Status**: Discontinued.
- **Version History**: A specific version is associated with October 2008.
- **Official Website**: Historically located at `http://www.sinenomine.net/opensolaris`.
- **Identifiers**: Freebase ID `/m/03bzhp1`.

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly was OpenSolaris for System z?
A: It was a specialized version of the OpenSolaris operating system ported to run on IBM System z mainframe hardware. It is currently classified as a discontinued project.

### Q: Under what license was OpenSolaris for System z distributed?
A: The operating system was distributed under the Common Development and Distribution License (CDDL).

### Q: Is the project still active?
A: No, the project is explicitly described as a discontinued port. While a version was noted in October 2008, it is no longer an active development effort.

## Why It Matters
OpenSolaris for System z represents a unique intersection in enterprise computing history, attempting to bridge the gap between Sun Microsystems' open-source operating system technology and IBM's mainframe architecture. This port was significant because it aimed to bring the advanced features of OpenSolaris—such as ZFS and DTrace (features inherent to the OpenSolaris series)—to the high-reliability, high-throughput environment of IBM Z mainframes.

For organizations heavily invested in mainframe infrastructure, this project offered an alternative open-source pathway distinct from the more commonly supported Linux on System z. It highlighted the versatility of the System z architecture, demonstrating its ability to host modern Unix-like operating systems alongside traditional mainframe OSes. Although discontinued, the effort serves as a historical marker of the cross-platform collaboration and porting efforts that characterized the open-source movement in the late 2000s. It illustrates the demand for open-source solutions in proprietary hardware environments and the technical challenges involved in sustaining such niche ecosystems.

## Notable For
- Being a rare port of Sun Microsystems' OpenSolaris to IBM's mainframe architecture (IBM Z).
- Operating under the Common Development and Distribution License, distinguishing it from other mainframe OS options like z/OS or Linux.
- Existing as a distinct, albeit discontinued, instance within the broader OpenSolaris family.
- Targeting the enterprise mainframe market with an open-source management solution.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
OpenSolaris for System z is classified as an operating system, defined as software that manages computer hardware resources. It is a specific instance of the OpenSolaris series, which was an open-source Unix operating system based on Solaris. The project is distinct for targeting the IBM Z platform, a family of mainframe computers.

### Technical Platform
The software was engineered specifically for the **IBM Z** platform (also known as System z). This required adapting the OpenSolaris kernel and userland to the mainframe's architecture and I/O structures. The goal was to provide the OpenSolaris user experience and tooling on IBM's robust hardware.

### Licensing and Distribution
The project utilized the **Common Development and Distribution License (CDDL)**. This license is a free software license created by Sun Microsystems, replacing the Sun Public License (SPL). It is based on the Mozilla Public License (MPL) and was the standard license for OpenSolaris projects.

### Availability and History
The project is currently listed as **discontinued**. Historical data points to a specific version or milestone occurring in **October 2008**. The official online presence was maintained at `http://www.sinenomine.net/opensolaris`. The project has a presence in multiple Wikipedia languages, including English, Norwegian, and Russian, indicating a degree of international recognition during its active period.