Linux contributors get new rules

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Views are not too far apart.

Large companies like IBM and specialized companies like Red Hat are also significant.

Yes, they are a VERY significant part of the equation. But the point I was getting at was MS is a software company and developing software is supposed to be their niche. These other guys aren't supposed to be as much into software as MS. RedHat is primarily support, and IBM is hardware. Contributing to Linux is secondary to them. But, they were able to combine with many others and produce a product that is on close level with MS. That is impressive. And, yeah, I think of it as a form of outsourcing.

But if they give an order concerning Linux, it's hard for me to think they would accept back an answer that no one has control, so nothing can be done.

Well, people do have control and orders can be carried out. The original authors of the code are responsible for it being legit. They are responsible in complying with any court orders that pertain to their code. So, something can be done. If a company has a problem, everything is there for them to see, and they can pin point who did the wrong doing and seek the correct legal path. The new rules make it a little easier now.

Court cases are expensive and complicated and time consuming. Representation is paid by the hour...

Too true, everything needs money. I think this is where the OSDL comes in. They aren't a party in the suit, but they are one of the supporters. Code and money aren't the only things companies can donate to Linux. They can donate legal services. Instead of individual programmers, they can donate to the OSDL which will manage the donations and allocate them to the programmers that need it.

I'm looking at only the impact of these facts on Linux, and I think the community is going to have to organize itself to meet the challenges

Reorganize... yeah, I can agree with that. But I don't think Linux will ever be controlled by one entity. The GPL doesn't allow it. There have to be middlemen; those who are the Hermes between the community and the entities that want to talk to them. And I think the OSDL fits in well. But the responsibility always has and always will rest on the individuals in the community who own the code.

Posted by: doe_z   Posted on: 05/24/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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