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Intel Accused of Being an "Open Source Fraud"

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the you-bought-it-now-you-can't-use-it dept.

Binary-Blob writes "Kernal Trap has an article up in which some key OpenBSD developers accuse Intel of being an open source fraud. The issue stems from the prevalence of firmware 'blobs' in open source projects, and OpenBSD's reluctance to use them unless they are distributed freely and without restrictions. Leading project creator Theo de Raadt offers that Intel should follow the example of other companies in the market: 'Intel must do this firmware grant in the same way that Adaptec, Atmel, Broadcom, Cirrus Logic, Cyclades, QLogic, Ralink, and LSI and lots of other companies have granted distribution firmware to be used by others.' He concluded by requesting that the open source community contact Intel to help get them to change their policies"

5 of 153 comments (clear)

  1. I can't see this working by RLiegh · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Seriously, look at who we're talking about. "Shaming" Intel into doing anything is about on a par with "shaming" MS into doing anything. Simply because the numbers don't add up. This is how I see this going:

    The OpenBSD Userbase: Give us the hardware specifications or we'll take our business elsewhere!
    Intel: There's two hundred of you, tops. Fuck off.

    This is especially true since --correct me if I'm wrong-- these cards already work in Linux.

    Of course, it's also obvious that Theo's "unique" brand of diplomacy does nothing to advance his case.

    He has no real leverage to speak of (not when it comes to anything the siez of Intel, at least!); I realistically think he has a chance of pulling this off.

  2. Sorry guys... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Flamebait
    Intel just re-entered my supplier list because:
    1. The core duo is a good product
    2. They have open drivers for e100 and e1000 network hardware
    3. they employ Keith Packard and have a graphics card with open drivers.


    How about OBSD just make it a policy and drop official support for intel RAID and wireless chipsets? That way the ball is firmwarely (sic) in Intels court; no tears and no drama... oh wait this is Theo we're talking about.
  3. Intel 'Must'??? by dreamchaser · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    Intel 'must' do whatever it thinks is best for it's business and shareholders, not what some pissante developers demand it to do.

  4. glass houses by oohshiny · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    If de Raadt is throwing around accusations like "open source fraud", I think de Raadt can be caulled an "open source fraud" with similar justification. After all, de Raadt wants us all to use a license for open source software that permits companies to take the source and make it proprietary.

    So, Theo, stop the rhetoric. In particular as a proponent of the BSD license, you should take a laissez-faire attitude towards licenses.

  5. Theo de blah by NekoXP · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    He never quits fucking whining does he?

    What is he scared of, that one of his rants will piss Intel off and they will revoke OpenBSD's right to use the firmware blobs?
    I think that's it.