Trident Micro Update
grendelkhan writes: "According to Linux Today, Trident is denying that they are no longer supporting open source developers for XFree86." This message from Eich clarifies the events leading up to this. Looks like Trident chips will continue to be supported, one way or another.
From Egbert's linked email:
"Alan Hourihane has tried to obtain documentation for the latest Trident chipsest (CyberBladeXP and CyberBladeXPm) without success. He offered to sign an NDA with 'source code exception clause' a clause which allowed distribution of unobfuscated source developed with the help of documentation otherwise covered by the NDA.
Trident appearantly didn't accept a 'source code exception clause'."
Just being the casual observer that I am, I would question if it is in fact settled. Trident has yet to provide the documentation requested by the XFree86 group in the manner in which it has been received prior to this chipset. All Trident has provided is some PR spin about their "policy" not changing. This is often times done by companies to try and do some damage control.
Until they provide the documentation needed they still need to be pressured.