* Reader's write in regarding Linux coming to the Palm Treo
Several readers of last week’s newsletter (“Linux coming to the Palm Treo”) commented that the more stringent language regarding open source usage in the proposed revision of the GNU Public License (GPL) won’t be such a problem for Palm, as it moves to a Linux-based operating system for its handheld devices.
Several readers of last week’s newsletter (“Linux coming to the Palm Treo”), commented that the more stringent language regarding open source usage in the proposed revision of the GNU Public License (GPL) won’t be such a problem for Palm, as it moves to a Linux-based operating system for its handheld devices.
At the end of the newsletter, I wondered how the proposed GPLv3 might affect Palm, or other Linux-focused gadget makers, who are looking to use open source software in embedded devices. Crafters of GPLv3 — which is far from final — want makers of embedded systems based on GPLv3-licensed software to provide the means for end-users to modify and have access to core code, and still provide support for the products. This could pose a support challenge for companies such as Palm, or TiVo, who in the past, kept end-users from messing with their embedded Linux kernels.
One reader said, “The issue of GPLv3 is a red herring when it comes to Palm.” Current users of Linux use software licensed under GPLv2, and not in any danger of any proposed language in GPLv3.
Another reader said GPLv3 won’t be an issue for Palm, or others, as Linux creator and trademark holder Linus Torvalds opposed much of the language in early drafts of GPLv3, which emerged last year.
But lately, Torvalds has warmed up to some of the revisions made in the most recent version of the license. Issues Torvalds had with GPLv3, mostly digital rights management issues, have been somewhat changed to his liking, although he is has concerns about the revamped license.
Apparently, other device makers such as Samsung — a user of Linux in its mobile phones and consumer electronics — are not taking any chances. Last week, Samsung announced a patent pact with Microsoft, where the companies will share access to their respective technologies; and most importantly to Samsung, Microsoft will promise not to sue users of Samsung products running Linux. Another question is: Amid the wrangling over language in the revamped GPL, is a deal with Microsoft becoming the insurance policy for vendors that want to continue using Linux as a product platform?
