Open-source programmer alleges Linux misuse

(continued from previous page)

or didn't correspond to the latest firmware versions," he said. Firmware is software embedded in products such as network cards or networking equipment.

In Motorola's case, Welte said, the company violates the GPL terms with its WA840G wireless network access point.

Motorola spokesman Paul Alfieri didn't have information specific to Welte's concerns, but said the company will correct any problems if those concerns are valid.

"If there is a question, we'll most certainly rectify it and it was most certainly an oversight," Alfieri said on Tuesday. "We use a lot of open-source stuff in our wireless and mobile products."

Indeed, Motorola ships Linux-based mobile phones, and it sold embedded Linux programming tools through its Metrowerks division, now part of spinoff Freescale Semiconductor.

Another company Welte targeted was Acer for its GW-300 and WLAN-G-RU2 wireless networking products. Acer didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Looking for clues
Welte finds evidence of GPL software by looking at software through a reverse-engineering process, not an easy task given that the software is in a form designed for consumption by a computer, not a human.

"This can sometimes be very lengthy and is probably for me something like crossword puzzles for other people," Welte said. "You basically sit down with a hex editor and try to figure out the format of the file and search for well-known signatures."

Companies that Welte said have met his demands include Belkin, Fujitsu-Siemens, U.S. Robotics, D-Link and Siemens.

The task isn't easy, Welte said.

"It's not sufficient if they just put the source code somewhere online. They actually need to educate their customers about their rights by providing a copy of the GPL license for both the physical products and for their downloads," Welte said.

Even if Welte gets his way with the CeBit attendees, it appears there's a new crop of violators on the way.

"There's a current indication that storage arrays and VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) phones are going to be the next big product area, unless the vendors have already learned how to deal with the GPL--which I hope, but doubt," Welte said.

Gee.. its not free?

Here is yet another case of companies looking for a way to put out a product cheaper so they can make more money.

I applaud this guy. The GPL has allowed a lot of us to use and build software/applications/operating systems affordably. It allows people who cant afford to shell out thousands of dollars to IBM/Microsoft/Sun to product/develope/code products for the benefit of technology, not a money hungry rich board of directors.

Keep it up my friend. There are a lot of us out here supporting your efforts. If these companies dont want to comply they have a choice.. pay MS licensing fees for all Windows CE OS's and develop your mobile phones/WAP's etc.. on that. Huh.. too expensive huh? Afraid youll make a product that you will have to charge an extra $150 for just to cover the MS license? Too bad..

As he states.. its NOT a free license.. its a contract.. a promise to publish your code to be shared by other developers to advance that knowledge and technology of us all.

DO THE RIGHT THING!

[aabcdefghij987654321]

They should have used NetBSD instead

Runs on lots of hardware, and no GPL license to bite you later.