[ECOS] ecos license question.

[Warren Postma]

>
>
>Basically the exception says that you can link non-GPL code with eCos code
>right.  So basically this is even weaker than LGPL, because
>1./ You dont have to enable the user to relink you code with newer version
>of eCos (by providing the object files)
>2./ You can modify the behaviour of existing eCos code by adding hooks in
>eCos code and calling your own proprietary functions with those hooks.
>  
>
Unlike, say, the Linux Kernel, eCOS is essentially a developer's 
library, which you link to your applications.   Because of the 
architecture of eCOS, giving it a strict GPL license would be the 
equivalent of saying under Linux that you cannot run ANY non-free 
software, or even write your own non-free software under eCOS, except by 
special permission from the copyright owner(s) of  eCOS.  Since 
executable A loading executable B is not generally considered "linking 
GPL code into your non-GPL program", this exception provides the same 
ability, using linking as a means of combining essentially separate 
functionality (the RTOS itself, and your application).

The GPL+X-clause allows eCOS to in fact be used as an RTOS, running 
(linked in, because it's the only way currently supported) a privately 
written application. The  intent is to provide commercial developers 
with impetus to use (and therefore contribute back) to the eCOS core, 
which is to say, to provide BSPs, drivers, and functionality, plus eyes 
looking for bugs, and all that other good stuff.  

This new license is good for eCOS development, and will ensure (in light 
of the departure of RedHat) the ability of consulting companies to make 
money by writing closed source embedded solutions (that are so vertical 
in use that they would not be worth contributing to open source anyways) 
while contributing to improving eCOS, and creating a vibrant economy 
around eCOS solutions.  (Here's hoping.)

Warren



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