Do Build Environments Give Companies an End Run Around the GPL?

Malvineous writes "I have two devices, from two different companies (who shall remain nameless, but both are very large and well-known) which run Linux-based firmware. The companies release all their source code to comply with the GPL, but neither includes a build environment or firmware utilities with the code. This means that if you want to alter the free software on the device, you can't — there is no way to build a firmware image or install it on the devices in question, effectively rendering the source code useless. I have approached the companies directly and while one of them acknowledges that it is not fully GPL-compliant, due to other license restrictions it cannot make the build environment public, and the company does not have the resources to rewrite it. I have approached the FSF but its limited resources are tied up pursuing more blatant violations (where no code at all is being released.) Meanwhile I am stuck with two devices that only work with Internet Explorer, and although I have the skills to rewrite each web interface, I have no way of getting my code running on the devices themselves. Have these companies found a convenient way to use GPL code, whilst preventing their customers from doing the same?"

Comments

Re:Find an author

[fishexe]

Since the OP has given us no details as to the specifics of the two cases, it's impossible to offer any kind of rational comment.

Since you've informed us, a priori, that the remainder of your comment was irrational, I've decided not to take the time to read it. Which makes me wonder, why did you take the time to write more with a disclaimer like that at the front end?