linux-kernel - Re: GPL vs non-GPL device drivers

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Message-ID: <20070215124554.GA10713@hmsreliant.homelinux.net>
Date:	Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:45:54 -0500
From:	Neil Horman <nhorman@...driver.com>
To:	v j <vj.linux@...il.com>
Cc:	Trent Waddington <trent.waddington@...il.com>,
	linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org
Subject: Re: GPL vs non-GPL device drivers

On Wed, Feb 14, 2007 at 10:16:44PM -0800, v j wrote:
> On 2/14/07, v j <vj.linux@...il.com> wrote:
> >This has nothing to do with politics. I am not a Linux contributor. I 
> >realize that people who have contributed to the Linux Kernel have very 
> >valid points. It is their sweat and blood. They have a right to protect 
> >what they have worked on. I am purely commenting from a user perspective. 
> >If Linux becomes closed to external drivers, then it will have 
> >repercussions in the embedded space. I can say for certain that a company 
> >evaluating OSes and realizing that their drivers will have to be 
> >open-source will almost certainly go for the alternative.
> >
So, to summarize:

1) You don't contribute to the kernel
2) You recognize the rights of contributors to do with their work what they
please
3) you aren't willing to open source your kernel code.

Why don't you just go with vxWorks or some other embedded OS?  You've recognized
that you are officially getting something (alot of something) for free here, and
are unwilling to play by the rules those who have donated to you set out.  Its
not like you're doing anyone who contributes any favors by using Linux.
Granted, its always good to have more linux devices out there, but if you can't
play by the rules, don't play.

And just so you know, making it easier for open source drivers to operate with
the kernel than closed source drivers isn't "closing" the kernel, its reminding
you that keeping your source closed in linux comes at a price.

Neil

> >
> >
> >On 2/14/07, Trent Waddington <trent.waddington@...il.com> wrote:
> >>  On 2/15/07, v j <vj.linux@...il.com> wrote:
> >> > The drivers which we have written over the last three years are 
> >suddenly
> >> > under threat.
> >> > [..]
> >> > The fact that Linux is becoming more and more closed is very very 
> >alarming.
> >>
> >> Sigh.  Someone remind me of the rules against "politics" on the list
> >> before I get into why vj should play nice with the other children.
> >>
> >> Trent
> >>
> >
> >
> -
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