On Fri, 13 Apr 2007, Ignatich wrote:
> Bart Smaalders writes:
>
> > Abide by the terms of the CDDL and all is well. Basically, all you
> > have to do is make your changes to CDDL'd files available. What you
> > do w/ the code you built (load it into MVS, ship a storage appliance,
> > build a ZFS for Linux) is up to you.
>
> The problem is not with CDDL, GPL is the problem. ATI and nVidia do
> provide binary modules with GPL "adapters", but I don't think legality
> of this approach was proven in court. I see no parties interested in
> proving that it is not legal (Intel perhaps?), but Sun is another story.
> They are not interested in ZFS port for Linux, because Solaris and Linux
> are real competitors, and if winds change may decide to take legal
> action. Also, such port can never be included in mainline for obvious
> reasons and I really want to see storage system such as ZFS as "default"
> for Linux in future. To sum all of this I see a number of possible
> solutions for this situation:
>
> 1. Sun dual licenses ZFS as GPLv2 and thus gives green light for
> ZFS-Linux port. Personally I doubt that this will happen.
>
> 2. Linux changes it's license. The chance is near zero.
>
> 3. US and EU courts clearly state that it is legal to use non-GPL kernel
> modules in Linux.
>
> 4. GPL ZFS reimplementation project is started. I prefer that way until
> 1), 2) or 3) happen.
>
> I know Sun opened most if not all ZFS related patents for OpenSolaris
> community. So I repeat questions I asked in my first mail:
>
> 1. Are those patents limited to CDDL/OpenSolaris code or can by used in
> GPL/Linux too?
The patent grant is via the (legal) use of the CDDL license. Suns patent
grant has nothing to do with any other license.
> 2. If GPL code can't use those patented algorithms, will you please
> provide list of ZFS-related patents? RAID-Z and LZJB are most obvious
> technologies which may be patent protected.
Thats an issue for you to deal with. I'd recommend that you retain
qualified legal council and take their advice.
Regards,
Al Hopper Logical Approach Inc, Plano, TX. [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Voice: 972.379.2133 Fax: 972.379.2134 Timezone: US CDT
OpenSolaris.Org Community Advisory Board (CAB) Member - Apr 2005
OpenSolaris Governing Board (OGB) Member - Feb 2006 to Mar 2007
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