[alexb at ufl.edu: Re: support requirement]

[VAB]

Chris F Clark wrote:
> 
> > In a perfect world I would get to work with all free software.  I
> > don't want to work with code unless it's free. If I need code and
> > the only code out there is available under Vendor X's license and I
> > have the time and ability to reimplement that code and place it
> > under the GPL, I will do it.
> 
> There is one gotcha in that.  The current Vendor X license may
> prohibit you from using it (including its documentation and/or output)
> to implement a competing version.  They could put such a stipulation
> in a closed-source license.  It is a simple variation on an NDA.  If
> Vendor X has something they consider unique enough, they may attempt
> to protect their "ip" that way.  This does not appear to be this
> vendor's motivation, since it sounds like they are actively
> considering distributing their software in an open source form (and
> hoping that their software will become the default in its niche).

I don't see any gotcha.

I would probably not need Vendor X's documentation and/or output
to reimplement the program.  The possible exception to that 
statement is that I would be seeking compatibility with Vendor X's
protocol or file format.  If the license prohibited me from
achieving that compatibility with a GPL'd work, I would write my
own competing file format or protocol.  In the past such open
protocols and open file formats have either succeeded in replacing
the closed format or in pressuring the owner of the closed format
to open it.  Even if Vendor X tied itself to proprietary hardware,
people would just reimplement the hardware.  A good example to 
site here is the GNU/Linux user boycott on the Logitech QuickCams
and that community's migration to the Panasonic Egg Cam and other
alternative open hardware.

The GPL is a very unique animal in that it has grown beyond just
a license into the embodiment of a community (a small subset of
what most people consider the free software community - but a
very significant subset none the less).  The GPL has in fact
become "magic pixie dust" as it was termed.

	- VAB
---
V. Alex Brennen    [vab at pog.ufl.edu]
[http://www.metanet.org/people/vab/]
Systems Administrator/Sys. Prgr
Pediatric Oncology Group
[http://www.pog.ufl.edu/]
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University Of Florida
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