On Thu, 2008-10-30 at 17:34 +0100, Michelle Konzack wrote: > So now as a Manufacturer I have the choice between > > 1) Use a huge NV/FLASH/EEPROM Memory which make the Hardware maybe > 10-20 Euro more expensive and I will lost customers. > > 2) Use huge external SRAM (makes the Hardware expensive too) to let > users load there own non tested and non-optimised blob and become > sued if something goes wrong.
Um, no. See, what you don't seem to understand is that users can load their own non-tested and non-optimized blob whether you release source or not. In fact, by not releasing source, you *increase* the risk that users' modifications will damage the hardware. The point here is that loadable firmware exposes you to a risk. The refusal to provide source has nothing to do with whether the risk is exposed; but providing source would *reduce* it. > So, the Open-Source System does not realy work on Hardware... Of course, we're not talking about Hardware, we're talking about firmware, which is, of course, a kind of software. > I do not know HOW OpenMoko do this, but the certification for GSM > software/firmware IS expensive and it IS required by law. If I understand correctly, then you (and perhaps many others), are not being honest in attaining GSM certification. You seem to be saying that the certification is contigent upon it being impossible for the user to change the behavior of the device in a non-compliant way. But the mere fact that you are using loadable firmware means that the user can make such a change. It has nothing to do with the license for the firmware, or whether there is source, or even whether your or Debian or anyone else distribute the firmware. The device, in fact, *cannot* be guaranteed to meet the certification, because it provides the capacity for users to load non-compliant firmware. Now whether that's a serious problem or not, I don't know, but it is entirely distinct from the license terms on the firmware blob. Thomas -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]