JBoss Astroturfs

Marc Fleury, CEO of the open-source software company, has been accused of posting bogus messages under fake or anonymous names on various Internet sites to promote JBoss while shredding its competitors. According to several reports, other JBoss employees have also been implicated in the recent rash of postings on popular Java sites, such as TheServerSide.com. The Middleware Co., which runs TheServerSide, recently cut ties with JBoss after the incidents came to light.

"The instability and unprofessional conduct from JBoss CEO Marc Fleury eroded the company's optimism for reaching a resolution," a Middleware spokesman said in a press statement.

The practice of posting messages on Web sites under false or anonymous names to generate buzz or ill will for a particular company is known as "astroturfing." A posting from Fleury responding to the controversy appeared on JBoss' own message blog. Although Fleury stated he doesn't "need a mask" to speak his mind, he did not deny the allegations.

"JBoss has the reputation as an in-your-face, straight-up, tell-it-like-it-is company," he stated on the blog. "This has made us many friends and a few critics."

The posting, which also stated that "astroturfing is hereby banned at JBoss, starting with me," had elicited nearly 80 replies at press time. In any event, it seems JBoss' calling card of "professional open source" is quite a contradiction.