Could the Linux Foundation get too big?

Just HOW open is your source?: Here are the 3 (licensing) principles that open source SHOULD embrace for the future.

1. All Operating System software should be GPLed. This levels the playing field for all involved. There is no need to keep OS functionality to yourself.

2. Applications can be either GPLed or BSDed. IOW you can charge for your application if you wish - or not. It's up to you as the developer.

3. All binary data is LGPLed. This prevents the Ice IX GPL stuff from happening to applications that just use a GPLed library or call a GPLed binary. A developer should have his rights to his source code p but once it gets compiled, it's "just" code.

So the KEY here is that SOURCE CODE is protected by licenses on restricting its use. But binary data has little protection - because it doesn't need it. Also the DMCA makes it illegal to reverse engineer binaries . . .

Until these 3 principles are applied to the marketplace, there will be confusion and knee-jerks keeping FOSS from becoming mainstream.; Posted by: Roger Ramjet Posted on: 02/23/09 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use