Re: Solaris 2.6 and Linux

H. Peter Anvin (hpa@transmeta.com)
27 Sep 1997 18:32:31 GMT

Followup to: <342D4AD9.538ED019@quiotix.com>
By author: "Jeffrey B. Siegal" <jbs@quiotix.com>
In newsgroup: linux.dev.kernel
>
> FSF-style Free Software (Linux included) carries an unacceptable cost
> for most embedded systems: the need to distribute source. No one wants
> to distribute source code for the embedded control system for every
> device they manufacture and distribute (think microwave ovens, cars,
> elevators, VCRs, etc.).
>
> Its not that its a secret, its just that its a pain in the ass.
>
> I discussed making an exception for this case with RMS several years
> ago, and although he didn't object to it philosophically, no one was
> willing to invest the necessary effort to properly draft the appropriate
> language for the GPL.
>

Note that they don't have to distribute source per se: they only have
to offer to do so within three years, and are allowed to charge for
it.

-hpa

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