Messages in this thread | | | Date | Tue, 22 Jul 1997 10:32:46 -0400 | From | "Theodore Y. Ts'o" <> | Subject | Re: I2O, free software |
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Date: Mon, 21 Jul 1997 21:35:36 -0800 From: tk@alliancestudio.com (tk)
Reading the info I2O gives out about itself at http://www.i2osig.org/QandA.html it seems to me as if anyone can join the organization and start writing their OS/ modifying their hardware, to work with the standard.
Anyone can join --- as long as they pay $5000, and sign an NDA which says that you will never release the specs, OR source code. There's another clause in the agreement which says that if the (heavily Microsoft dominated) I2O sig kicks you out, or you withdraw, you are no longer allowed to sell or distribute hardware or software that makes use of the I2O design.
The above might sound like opinions. They are not. I am just trying to understand this thread and figure out what is the threat so many on the list seem to be concerned about.
Now do you get it? :-)
The rules of the I2O sig basically lock out free operating systems.
- Ted
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