In choosing the GPL option, , Sun seeks to boost Java on the Linux platform, Sun's Rich Sands, community marketing manager for the Java Platform Standard Edition, concurred. Java also can be more easily spread in markets that prefer free, open source software, such as educational institutions and in the developing world, he said.

"In looking at all those markets, we believe that the GPL is the best license to choose for facilitating adoption in those areas," Sands said.

Developers also can experiment with Java technologies such as the Java C compiler and Java VM and port HotSpot to new platforms, Sands said.

"Developers can learn how a world-class JVM is built, experiment with garbage collection, synchronization," and other components, Sands said.

Sun looks to monetize Java by selling subscriptions to its commercial releases of Java, which feature customer support. Java also can be used to expand sales of Sun workstations and servers.