Calling the move "inevitable" (would that all software companies were this astute :-), Linden Labs has open sourced its client. Linden wrote on its blog:
At Linden, we have always been strong advocates of the use of open standards and the advantages of using open source products. Though Second Life makes abundant use of non-standard technologies, our basic UDP protocol message system for example, we rely on open standards and open source implementations when appropriate and available. Since many of the components that will make up this network are not yet done, we are not publishing long white papers or RFCs at this time — instead, we are giving everyone what we have along with a goal of producing those open standards with the input and assistance of the community that has brought Second Life to where it is now.Welcome to the community, Linden, whatever the life you happen to be living at present (first, second, third....). :-)Releasing the source now is our next invitation to the world to help build this global space for communication, business, and entertainment. We are eager to work with the community and businesses to further our vision of our space.
The potential for something like this, in the hands of the global community that makes up the Second LIfe citizenry, is exciting and a fascinating test for open source. I can't wait to see what happens.
Posted by Matt Asay on January 8, 2007 08:31 AM
