 |
 |
 |
|
07.29.09 Microsoft Clarifies The Reasoning For Its Open Source Contribution  By
Savio Rodrigues
Microsoft has responded to claims that their Linux Integration Components (LIC) were only contributed under the GPLv2 after being out of compliance with the GPL in the first place. It's important to note that LIC was pre-existing code available from Microsoft. The version I downloaded only supported Novel SUSE but it seems Red Hat Enterprise Linux was supported also. Until a few days ago, this code was not completely under the GPLv2. How much was, and whether GPLv2 and non-GPLv2 code was combined in a manner that violates the GPLv2 is at the root of this story. A well-known Linux contributor, Stephen Hemminger found the LIC prior to its contribution under the GPLv2. He writes: "...but on closer examination there was a problem. The driver had both open-source components which were under GPL, and statically linked to several binary parts. The GPL does not permit mixing of closed and open source parts, so this was an obvious violation of the license. Rather than creating noise, my goal was to resolve the problem, so I turned to Greg Kroah-Hartman." Steve's post resulted in Greg Kroah-Hartman (aka Greg K-H), the Linux kernel maintainer who accepted the Microsoft code, updating his post about the Microsoft GPLv2 contribution: "Steve gives a little more of the backstory of what caused me to start talking to Microsoft in the first place." Microsoft's Sam Ramji posted today: "Microsoft's decision was not based on any perceived obligations tied to the GPLv2 license. For business reasons and for customers, we determined it was beneficial to release the drivers to the kernel community under the GPLv2 license through a process that involved working closely with Greg Kroah-Hartman, who helped us understand the community norms and licensing options surrounding the drivers."
If I'm reading the statement correctly, Microsoft disputes that the decision to release LIC under the GPLv2 was based on any obligations resulting from the use of GPLv2 components within the original LIC code available prior to July 20th. Sam does state that Greg K-H helped Microsoft understand the "community norms and licensing options..." Hence, the decision to release LIC under the GPLv2 was simply a business decision. It is possible that the business decision was influenced by what customers and "the community" would think if the questions about the LIC compliance with the GPLv2 came to light. Having said that, I can't understand what value Micrsoft would see in keeping this code under a non Linux-friendly license. By ensuring that this code makes it into the Linux kernel, Microsoft is making it much easier for customers to deploy Linux on Microsoft Windows 2008. I go back to my "this was a business decision" view. What do you think? Comments About the Author: Savio Rodrigues is a product manager with IBM's WebSphere Software division. He envisions a day when open source and traditional software live in harmony. This site contains Savio's personal views. IBM does not necessarily agree with the views expressed here. |
|
| ||
 |
| --
LinuxProNews is
an iEntry, Inc. publication -- |
LinuxProNews is brought to you by: