[LINK] Closed Source Drivers

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Linux Foundation's Statement on Closed Source Drivers

https://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/Lf_statement

The Linux Foundation recommends that hardware manufacturers provide open
source kernel modules. The open source nature of Linux is intrinsic to its
success. We encourage manufacturers (eg Nvidia) to work with the kernel
community to provide open source kernel modules in order to enable their
users and themselves to take advantage of the considerable benefits that
Linux makes possible. We agree with the Linux kernel developers that
vendors who provide closed-source kernel modules force their customers to
give up these key Linux advantages. We urge all vendors to adopt a policy
of supporting their customers on Linux with open-source kernel modules.


Kernel Driver Statement From The Linux Foundation
Position Statement on Linux Kernel Modules June 2008 

https://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/Kernel_Driver_Statement

We, the undersigned Linux kernel developers, consider any closed-source
Linux kernel module or driver to be harmful and undesirable. We have
repeatedly found them to be detrimental to Linux users, businesses, and
the greater Linux ecosystem. Such modules negate the openness, stability,
flexibility, and maintainability of the Linux development model and shut
their users off from the expertise of the Linux community. Vendors that
provide closed-source kernel modules force their customers to give up key
Linux advantages or choose new vendors. Therefore, in order to take full
advantage of the cost savings and shared support benefits open source has
to offer, we urge vendors to adopt a policy of supporting their customers
on Linux with open-source kernel code. 

We speak only for ourselves, and not for any company we might work for
today, have in the past, or will in the future. Dave Airlie, Jens Axboe ..

--
Cheers people
Stephen Loosley
Victoria Australia


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