This page tries to list the reasons why it would be fine if ADI released the firmware / DSP code as GPL (hence giving freely the source code, as required by GPL, in the preferred form for modification)
Context
- we are talking about a modem driver that can give access to internet for GNU/Linux users (and more generally including *BSD users as well)
- having it on CDs and working *from the start* is easier for the end-user (and is a positive experience with internet access and their provider effeciency)
- not having it on CD requires a working connection (with another OS, at an internet café, any other unpractical means...)
- first to get it
- next to obtain documentation
- next to diagnose problems (you get the idea ? that really mean customer *un*satisfaction)
- of course, we suppose you've taken into account at least the FAQ for GPL drivers (comments and questions welcome)
- we suggested this to ADI with all pages documented at DeveloppementGPL (the main requirements being identified at RequirementsEagleUsbGPL)
Arguments
- distribution in GNU/Linux CDs
Debian, for example, does not accept to include on CD drivers that rely on closed firmware
Mandrakesoft constantly relies on vendors agreement when your products should be widely available (and your work to convince you have the best product decreased : all the easiest when customer are convinced !)
- one unhappy customer means 10 potential customers warned :-( (and perhaps lost), that's basic marketing courses, did you forget them ?
- Analog Digital, Inc can keep the intellectual property (and copyright) on firmware / DSP code
For later versions, ADI (if indeed the only copyright holder) can choose any license. The GPLed version remains GPL (but may not have latest evolutions / enhancements by ADI, that's your choice...).
- eagle-usb.org team is good at following linux kernel changes, which would be cost-effective for ADI. We have in mind that it should simply work for the end-user as well and can be constructive critics to enhance your Web presence and marketing (we have many suggestions, just ask !)
- for example, in kernel-2.6.5 USB was broken : it took us one week to provide a new working driver (most important as it was chosen by RedHat for release of Fedora Core 2...), now with kernel 2.6.10 it may be broken once again... let's see how long it takes us to adapt ;-)
- the customer-added-value of ADI is for ADSL connection management / ISP requirements, eagle-usb.org adds the end-users requirements value (at least in GNU/Linux case) : that's a win/win combination for your ISP/customers and modems/customers : do you want to maximize your support ?
- at eagle-usb.org we support *currently unhappy* customers that find a way to make your product work (99% flawlessly), what would it cost you if you were to do the same at ADI (in English, French, Spanish, German at least ;-) I have in mind Italian, Polish and Russian as well who recently appeared to need support as well... if you would have translation people that would be of great help)
- if you were proactive, we could provide your ISP customers with recommandations to provide their forthcoming users to choose them for their support of free initiatives and help them make it work :
- what I call "technical URL" would provide at least VPI / VCI / Encapsulation (perhaps even DNS, and let's dream ;-) whether ppppd encryption is needed or not, or even throughput rates...)
- this would seem like basic marketing support (once the user has bought and tries to make it work ;-) ).
- I'm really astonished to have to maintain a list of parameters like parameters for ISP when it should come to any "pragmatic-minded ISP" to furnish it to their user / customer ! (just think to it twice, if you were a user trying to configure your connection, with not yet internet access to get appropriate advice... in France, we call it the problem of "egg or chicken, which comes first ?" ;-) )
Some links
Examples not to be followed
