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                                                        The Florida SunFlash

                 C Compilers on Solaris 2.0 Q&A

SunFLASH Vol 40 #19					          April 1992 
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This is an article that explains why Sun will not bundle the
SunPro C compiler into Solaris 2.0. Note that a free GNU C compiler
will be distributed on CDware, so Sun/Solaris users will have access
to a free C compiler. -johnj
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IS SUN GOING TO UNBUNDLE THE C COMPILER ON SOLARIS 2.0?

Yes, starting with Solaris 2.0, SMCC will no longer
bundle any compiler with the operating system.

WHAT IS THE RATIONALE FOR THIS DECISION?

1. A compiler is no longer required to build or customize
   the SVR4 kernel.  The use of dynamically linked libraries
   makes a compiler unnecessary.

2. A compiler has value.  The Sun C compiler especially
   has value in that it now has ANSI support and leading SPARC
   optimization.  Future versions will add additional features
   such as superscalar (SuperSPARC) support.  If the compiler is 
   bundled, then everybody is paying for it.

3. Not all users need a c compiler.  If we bundle a compiler,
   then all users are paying for it-not just those who need
   it.  We estimate the following:

   About 18% of customers	Serious C programmers--developers
				who code for a living.
   About 30% of customers	Casual users--compile and
				run, but do minimal changes
				to source code.

   This means that over half (52%) of Sun customers do not need
   a c compiler.  If a compiler were to be bundled with Solaris 
   2.0, then the PRICE FOR SOLARIS 2.0 WOULD BE HIGHER--for everyone.
				

4. By unbundling, Sun also opens up Solaris/SPARC to other
   compiler vendors so that all may compete on a level playing
   field.  The benefit will be more choices for customers.
   For example: there are many different kinds of compilers
   in the marketplace today:

		- Compilers that produce optimized code
		- Compilers that compile quickly
		- Incremental compilers
		- Interpreters
		- Low cost, compilers (for casual use)

   By unbundling, Sun is leveling the playing field for all
   compiler vendors.  The customer can chose the product that
   is right for them.

   Already, several third party c compiler products are committed
   for delivery on Solaris 2.0:

	Cygnus Software		gnu c
	Lucid			C, C++
	Centerline (Sabre)	C, C++

IS THIS DECISION FINAL?

Yes, the decision to unbundle is final.  Pricing, promotions,
and upgrades have not yet been finalized. 

More information will be published as it becomes available. 

DOES THIS MEAN I WILL HAVE TO PAY $2,000 FOR A SUN C COMPILER?

No.  Pricing, promotions and upgrade policies have not yet 
been finalized.
The following measures are planned to make this transition
easier:

	- The compiler and tools will be offered seperately.
	  Today the compilers and tools together cost $2,000.
	  The price of a compiler alone will be less.

	- Sun Compilers and tools will have floating licenses.  
	  This means that if you have a group of 20 developers, you
	  may need only 10 or 15 licenses (for example) depending
	  on the intensity of your use.  This effectively lowers
	  the cost of compilers and tools for workgroups.

	- Special upgrade incentives will be offered.

I JUST WANT TO COMPILE AND RUN.  I DON'T WRITE SOURCE.  I DON'T NEED A
HIGHLY OPTIMIZED COMPILER.  WHERE CAN I GET A FREE COMPILER?

Cygnus Software of Palo Alto has stated publicly that they 
intend to provide a free gnu c compiler for SPARC.  It is their
plan to make this compiler available on Volume 4 of CDware
that is due out in September 1992.

This means that every SPARC system will ship with a free compiler
on the CDware disk.  This shoule be a good solution for users who
need take source off of internet and compile them for use at their
sites.  Cygnus also offers support for a fee.

[Note that Cygnus is an independent company.  For official
confirmation of release dates and schedules, please contact Cygnus.]

WHY DOESN'T SUN PROVIDE A FREE COMPILER?

Sun is focusing its resources on the needs of the professional
developer.  Our development priorities will be driven towards
compiler optimization, excellent edit/compile/debug tools and
group software productivity tools.

The needs of the casual c user who needs to compile and run
rather than create source code will be met excellently by third
party products (such as Cygnus).

WHAT ABOUT SOLARIS 2.0 BETA CUSTOMERS?  DO THEY HAVE TO PAY?

No, beta versions of the compilers and some beta tools will
be included in the Solaris 2.0 beta release.  You can get
them from your Area Boss for Operation Commitment.

HOW CAN SUN CALL ITSELF OPEN IF C ISN'T BUNDLED?

The question should be, "How could Sun call itself open if it
*did* bundle C?"  Bundling is the antithesis of openness.  One goal
of open systems is to level the playing field for all who want
to develop.  Who would want to develop a C compiler for Sun if
we bundle a C compiler for free with every system?

By unbundling, Sun is opening up Solaris/SPARC to all the 
compiler vendors in the market.  Solaris/SPARC will have the
volume to attract leadership products.  There are a lot of
possibilities:

	- Low cost compilers
	- Fast incremental compilers
	- Highly optimized compilers
	- EZ programming environment compilers

The customer will get to chose and that is what open systems
are all about; choices.

WILL UNBUNDLING REALLY BENEFIT CUSTOMERS?

A quote from an independent source is probably the best reply:

"Regarding the unbundling of the C compiler on Solaris 2.0, I am
just suprised that people aren't yet viewing it as a chance to get 
compilers from *compiler* companies rather than being stuck with the 
Sun SPARC compilers (which are actually quite good).  When DOS came
without compilers vendors jumped in with their own, and the overall 
state of the software development improved dramatically because of 
the competition.  Perhaps that's just what *is* needed for us to 
get better comilers and software development technologies.  Besides, 
there's always gcc from the Free Software Foundation..."

		Dave Taylor
		SunWorld Magazine

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