A.P. Lawrence

The future of Linux and the GPL

Tue Aug 17 12:21:59 2004 The future of Linux and the GPL
Posted by Tony Lawrence
Search Keys: sco lawsuit
Referencing: http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20040814064859996

Groklaw has an editorial about Business Week's comments on Linux and the GPL.

First, Business Week errs in thinking that business is important to Linux and therefore must change to meet the needs of corporations. It's the other way around: Linux is important to business, and it is business that is having problems adjusting. If Linux can skate by the patent and copyright issues, its growth in the corporate world will continue no matter what business dislikes about the GPL.

Groklaw understands that much. But I think what Groklaw misses is the problem of mortality. Linus Torvalds and the other Linux movers and shakers aren't going to live forever. The reins that steer Linux are velvet, but the people presently holding those reins only do so from respect and custom. When succession comes, as it inevitably must, there will be disruption and confusion. That confusion is the opportunity for business to take control.

Does it have to happen that way? Of course not - a strong leader might emerge. Dynasties sometimes last a long time. But sooner or later weakness, corruption, or outside forces bring the old rule to an end. Somebody will "rewrite" Linux and issue it under a different license. A license business likes. Sure, there will be holdouts, people who say their code can't be used in this perversion, but their code can be rewritten and the patent/copyright issue is then on the other foot: the little guy has to try to prove that the big bad corporation stole his code and changed the license. All the difficulties SCO now has proving its Linux claims would then be burdening individuals least equipped to fight back.

The history of the world teaches us that succession is dangerous and that the strong take what they want. It's not likely to be any different with Linux.

Psst - Wanna work for yourself?

Comments
CommentsBlog1062 :

---August 17, 2004

It's funny how BW's assumption is that Linux cares about corporations desire for different licensing. But they are focused on business, making income, and just don't see any other point. It's like artists, sure there are some who will use the corporate colors and paint what they are told to but others don't care



Add your comments

Why no "Digg this!" etc.?

Unix and Linux Support

Enter your email address for automatic notification of new posts here
(be sure to whitelist 'feedburner.com' if you use spam filtering)

Have you tried Searching this site?

Unix/Linux/Mac OS X support by phone, email or on-site: Support Rates

This is a Unix/Linux resource website. It contains technical articles about Unix, Linux and general computing related subjects, opinion, news, help files, how-to's, tutorials and more. We appreciate comments and article submissions.

Publishing your articles here