# OpenSolaris

> open source operating system from Sun Microsystems based on Solaris

**Wikidata**: [Q237580](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q237580)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenSolaris)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/opensolaris

## Summary
OpenSolaris is an open-source operating system developed by Sun Microsystems, based on the proprietary Solaris OS. It was released as a community-driven project to provide a free alternative to Solaris while maintaining compatibility with its features and architecture.

## Key Facts
- Developed by Sun Microsystems, a defunct American computer company (founded 1982).
- Based on the proprietary Solaris operating system.
- Released under the Common Development and Distribution License (CDDL) version 1.0.
- Key versions include 2008.05 (May 13, 2008), 2008.11 (November 25, 2008), and 2009.06 (June 1, 2009).
- Supported the SPARC platform, a RISC-based architecture.
- Derived works include BeleniX, OpenIndiana, SchilliX, and illumos.
- Official website: [opensolaris.org](https://opensolaris.org/).
- Active community presence on platforms like Reddit and Quora.

## FAQs
### Q: What was OpenSolaris used for?
A: OpenSolaris was designed as a free alternative to Solaris, offering a Unix-like environment with compatibility for enterprise and server applications.

### Q: Who developed OpenSolaris?
A: OpenSolaris was developed by Sun Microsystems, a company known for its hardware and software innovations in the computing industry.

### Q: What license did OpenSolaris use?
A: OpenSolaris was released under the Common Development and Distribution License (CDDL) version 1.0.

### Q: What platforms did OpenSolaris support?
A: OpenSolaris primarily supported the SPARC architecture, a RISC-based platform developed by Sun Microsystems.

### Q: What happened to OpenSolaris?
A: OpenSolaris was discontinued in 2010, with its codebase being forked into OpenIndiana and illumos, which continue development today.

## Why It Matters
OpenSolaris played a significant role in the open-source software movement by providing a free, enterprise-grade alternative to proprietary Unix-based systems. Its development highlighted the potential for community-driven software projects to compete with commercial offerings. The project also contributed to the broader adoption of Unix-like systems in both commercial and educational settings. By releasing its code under the CDDL license, OpenSolaris encouraged collaboration and innovation, leading to the creation of derivative projects like OpenIndiana and illumos. Its legacy continues to influence modern open-source operating systems, demonstrating the value of open collaboration in software development.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first major open-source operating systems based on a proprietary Unix derivative.
- Supporting the SPARC architecture, which was widely used in enterprise servers.
- Serving as a foundation for later projects like OpenIndiana and illumos.
- Maintaining compatibility with Solaris applications and drivers.
- Having an active community that contributed to its development and maintenance.

## Body
### Origins and Development
OpenSolaris was initiated by Sun Microsystems in response to growing demand for open-source alternatives to proprietary Unix systems. The project aimed to provide a free, community-driven version of Solaris, leveraging Sun's expertise in enterprise software.

### Technical Specifications
OpenSolaris was based on the Solaris 10 codebase and supported the SPARC platform, a RISC architecture designed for high-performance computing. It included features such as the ZFS filesystem, DTrace debugging tool, and Solaris Network File System (NFS).

### Versions and Releases
The project released several versions, including:
- **2008.05**: Released on May 13, 2008, featuring improvements in stability and performance.
- **2008.11**: Released on November 25, 2008, with enhanced security and compatibility features.
- **2009.06**: Released on June 1, 2009, as a stable version with bug fixes and optimizations.

### Community and Discontinuation
OpenSolaris had a vibrant community, with contributions from developers worldwide. However, the project was discontinued in 2010, with its codebase being forked into OpenIndiana and illumos. These projects continue to develop and maintain the OpenSolaris legacy.

### Legacy and Impact
OpenSolaris's legacy includes its influence on modern open-source operating systems and its role in advancing Unix-like systems. Its codebase has been used to create other projects, ensuring its continued relevance in the open-source community.

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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora