One advantage for hardware vendors: if they're
willing to donate a few
devices to open source developers (plus specs), they can probably get
a device driver written for free.
Yes, this is something I need to count on as I propose the project. How
to use development dollars most efficiently and how to motivate the
audio/developer enthusiasts to start working (and playing) with this
really cool equipment. One can think of many financial benefits of
paying developers with equipment. However, one doesn't always get
development work done by giving equipment away. I'm guessing that there
are a lot of subtle strategies in connecting to the right people in the
community and providing the proper incentives to achieve the goals.
I'll be away from my computer for the next week.
I wish you luck in
your efforts. This is exactly the kind of support Linux audio needs
to break into the mainstream.
Thanks so much for the feedback!
Bryant