Re: IBM doesn't like the GPL

[Thufir Hawat]

On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:44:38 -0400, Rjack wrote:

> "IBM wasn't happy when Sun released Java under the GPL instead of a more
> permissive open source software license. It's possible that if IBM
> acquired Sun, Big Blue would move Java towards a multi-licensed approach
> and potentially put it under the Apache Software License in addition to
> the GPL. This would make it easier for Sun's Java technology to be
> integrated into existing open source Java implementations, such as the
> Apache Harmony project, and it would also make it easier for Java to be
> repurposed by third parties for proprietary uses."
> 
> http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2009/03/report-ibm-eyes-sun.ars
> 
> The SFLC suits are having an effect -- just not the one they hoped for.
> As more and more companies move away from "free software" to "open
> source software" the FSF propaganda campaign is falling flat on its ass.
> 
> Sincerely,
> Rjack :)


You have it backwards.  When *sun* licenses software, IBM likes apache/
BSD type licenses.  When *IBM* licenses software, ie gnu/linux, IBM likes 
the gpl.

Obviously, if you're planning on modifying source and don't want to share 
those changes then a bsd type license is to your advantage.


-Thufir