Sun does – as all of our clients do – have the right to directly refer the press to us for comment so the distinction is probably academic, but in this case the vendor did not point the reporter to me.

Or at least I assume that’s the case, because looking back in my Pidgin log from this morning, Chris’ inquiry began: “Do you follow OpenSolaris? If so, did you see this [link to your resignation]“. Either Chris or Sun should feel to correct the record if that is not in fact the case and I’m reading too much into the text of the query, but my read is that I was contacted independent of the commercial relationship we at RedMonk have with Sun or other vendors peripherally involved in the debate.

As for being alerted to the resignation in the first place, I track the OpenSolaris Community as time permits, so I became aware of it shortly after it was posted. Per my opening in the piece that I authored, I would not have commented on it in the first place, but the volume of inquiry was such that it compelled a response.

Anyhow, I appreciate the clarification.

- sog

Actually, by “trotted out”, I was referring to the quote you were associated with by the reporter in the IDG article. I took that to mean either Terri directed IDG to you as one of their favorite analysts (which you are whether you like the association or not), or that you were alerted to the “pending news” by the same sources. My apologies if that was not the case, and feel free to correct me here if it isn’t. I didn’t even know about your piece until much later, when I went to find a link for your name.

I certainly did not mean to imply that the piece you wrote, which I largely agree with, was paid for by Sun. I wouldn’t suspect that of anyone who is careful to disclaim their own client list.

….Roy

Quick question: by using the words “trotted out,” I assume you’re implying that Sun or Sun employees asked me – directly or indirectly – to author the piece in question. I just want to be sure that I have that correct before I respond further.

And just for the record, I have no problem with the air quotes applied to the term “industry analyst.” We actively encourage our audience to be skeptical of folks in our line of work.

Cheers,

- sog