Casper Dik's Weblog

As discussed often in many forums, the reason not to use the GPL is that the GPL is incompatible with one of the issues we face with opening up Solaris: we don't own all of the source code so we can't release all of the source code and we are required to match closed source and open source components in a single module or kernel. The unfortunate encumberances we have picked up by developing for 20 years, acquiring companies and licensing technology does not allow for easy untangling. So the GPL is simply not an option. It should be understood that this is because of limitations in the GPL, it is incompatible with any other license except licenses which state that they can be removed or replaced.

We went over all licenses and in those cases were the license didn't allow source code distribution, we asked for opening up the source. This was refused in more than one occassion, but we're not allowed to name and shame. We hope that the release of Open Solaris will draw some people over the line but considering who they are, it's not at all likely in all cases.

Posted by Casper Dik on May 07, 2005 at 03:03 PM MEST #

The larger area would be nice!
If something in Belgium is possible, as MarcL was proposing, it may be an easier compromise for us French users.

Posted by Laurent on May 24, 2005 at 05:56 PM MEST #