Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 23:14:42 +0200
To: Timothy Miller <miller@techsource.com>
Cc: pbecke <pbecke@javagear.com>,
       Linux Kernel Mailing List <linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org>
Subject: Re: HARDWARE: Open-Source-Friendly Graphics Cards -- Viable?
Message-ID: <20041026211442.GB27123@hh.idb.hist.no>
References: <6.1.2.0.1.20041026082223.0231edd8@mail.javagear.com> <417E70D2.2010302@techsource.com>
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From: Helge Hafting <helgehaf@aitel.hist.no>
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On Tue, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:44:18AM -0400, Timothy Miller wrote:
> 
> >In general an open source video card is a great idea, however, I am a 
> >bit concerned about your plans to keep the FPGA code secret.  I realize 
> >that your company wants to make a profit, 
> 
> And that is the POINT here.  The question isn't whether or not we can 
> become a charity and give away all of our IP.  The question is whether 
> or not it's possible to sell open-source-friendly products.  Designing 
> and manufacturing hardware is EXPENSIVE.  Especially at the volumes I 
> expect.
> 
No problem with this at all.  Of course, those who really want
to try "open firmware" development can buy cards from you
and reprogram the FPGA with a totally different and open
firmware.  They will then see how hard this is.  And you
still sell the hardware - even if they succeed to some extent.

> Also do not make the mistake of believing that software is free to 
> PRODUCE.  If it were, then free software fans wouldn't love the GPL 
> which protects their investment of time from being ripped off by greedy 
> companies that would like to steal their work. 

Well said.

Helge Hafting
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