4 May
2004
4 May
'04
9:04 a.m.
>>>> "Takashi" == Takashi Iwai
<tiwai(a)suse.de> writes:
let me clarify the situation. there are a couple of
different
questions regarding this:
1. is the firmware binary is a program or a data?
2. can we force the h/w vendor to show the source code
under GPL
(if exists) in practice?
3. if not, shouldn't we change the license to the
non-restrictive one? which license would be feasible?
There is also point (4): should the AGNULA project distribute (via the
AGNULA/DeMuDi distribution) binary firmware if we agree that (1) is
true and (2) is false? I mean, how pragmatic should we become?
so far, alsa-firmware package is released from the
understanding
of 1 as "data". but if someone insists it as program, yes, it
can be a problem.
And what's worse, the distinction between "program" and "data"
can
often become really blurry. And I might be wrong, but my guess is
that if a piece of data is absolutely necessary for a GNU GPL program
to work, then that data should be distributed together with the
program at the same conditions of the GNU GPL (otherwise the GNU GPL
itself could be very easily bypassed).
sure, the correct distribution under GPL would be the
best case,
i.e. including the source code of the orignal assembly codes (if
really exists).
basically, it is a decision of the h/w vendor who
provides the
DSP binary, not by me. if the GPL is really unsuitable (and we
can judge the firmware as a program 100% absolutely :), we'll
suggest them to either show the source code or change the
license ASAP. but i don't expect GPL source codes as a realistic
solution, although i'll try it of course. remember that they
are *really* delicate about the firmware code.
The first step I would do is ask the companies that are distributing
firmware under the GNU GPL is a written and signed statement that the
binary code is actually their preferred form to modify the program, as
as such the binary and the source really are the same thing.
bye,
--
Andrea Glorioso andrea.glorioso(a)agnula.org
AGNULA Technical Manager http://www.agnula.org/
M: +39 333 820 5723 F: +39 (0)51 930 31 133
"Libre Audio, Libre Video, Libre Software: AGNULA"