DM42 is now open-source!

[Manolo Sobrino]

(04-22-2018 10:59 AM)Thomas Okken Wrote:  

(04-22-2018 05:19 AM)BarryMead Wrote:  All of your comments seem to suggest that only Thomas and Michael are interested in this project and that is simply not true. The "P" in "GPL" stands for "Public" and we have a right to be interested in the outcome.

Indeed. While I understand that people don't want a rehash of the discussion that already took place, nor a repeat of all the bad temper and name-calling that occurred, it is not correct to say that only Michael Steinmann and I are interested parties, and that everyone else must just quietly wait to see what happens next.

Just to restate the facts: the way the DM42 was sold, and continues to be sold, without making available the source code that buyers would need to build and install their own custom firmware images, is in violation of the terms of the GPL, under which SwissMicros obtained the Free42 source code. That affects not just me, it affects anyone who purchased a DM42 and wants to build their own firmware, and until this situation is fixed, the GPL violation continues, regardless of my own feelings about the issue.

Thomas, you are the copyright holder and as such you have the legal standing to sue. Users/customers don't. Sadly these things come to litigation, which I don't think was the point of GPL but here we are.

Unless you consider the possibility of licensing Free42 under LGPL (or lesser) for them, well I don't think I'll be able to get one of these without paying a premium in ebay. That might make some people happy, which again I don't think was the point of GPL.

Clearly these guys have to call you ASAP. I hope they did.