Linksys and the GPL, Again

Rob Flickenger writes "While poking around on the Linksys WRT54G (one of the new Linux 2.4.5 based APs) at a SeattleWireless Hack Night session, we noticed a number of binaries in their firmware (including Zebra, PPP 2.4.1, and iptables to name three) that are released under the GPL, some of which are obviously modified. The question is, where is the source code to Linksys' modifications? Their "GPL Code Center" has the packages, but they are the pristine distributions, without any changes whatsoever. I've asked Linksys for clarification, but given Linksys' customer service reputation, I highly encourage other interested parties to ask them as well. More details are up on my weblog on oreillynet.com."

Comments

Re:Details of issue

[dublin]

"One perfect example of this is Zebra, the advanced dynamic routing software package. By opening the firmware file directly, as well as by making queries through the makeshift ping interface mentioned earlier, we noticed that the zebra running on the WRT54G doesn't use the standard configuration file locations. This means that it must certainly be a modified binary."

We can only hope that Linksys prosecutes this jerk under the DMCA for illegal code tampering. :-)

It's pretty clear now that there's no GPL violation here at all, and this fellow was just trying to smear Linksys. It's exactly this sort of bahaviour among GPL zealots that makes me refuse to use any GPL code in any commercial context, ever. Even if you do absolutely *nothing* wrong, a single accusation like this can cost your company tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, opinions, and lost productivity as your staff tries futilely to engage in damage control. That sort of risk and exposure obliterates any possible savings by using GPL'ed code, so it's far cheaper and safer just to find other alternatives, or if really necessary, re-implement the crucial pieces to avoid any GPL claims on them.

Remember that Stallman and the GPL's stated goal is to eliminate even the possibility of anyone ever making any money whatsoever from software. If you really want to be a waiter so you can give away your software as RMS suggests, more power to you. Personally, I'd rather have the vibrant and profitable software economy back again...