Arnoud Engelfriet wrote:
No, it's the FUD that the GPL is 'viral' and therefore must be avoided in business environments. It is very well possible to combine GPL-licensed software with proprietary applications. You just have to make the right architectural decisions.
Arnoud
Yes, but "just" making the "right architectural decisions" is not easy. Sometimes almost impossible if the code is already written. And sub-optimal in far more situations. It takes nothing away from the GPL to admit that it can be very awkward for use it in business settings. And in large complex environments, making the right architectural decisions is difficult enough on purely technical grounds. Adding another lawyer adds yet more complexity and increases the chance of failure all around. People and companies may well choose to do this for the value the GPL brings. Many have and many more will. But I think it is over simplifying things to say that it's easy or without difficulties.
Mitchell
-- license-discuss archive is at http://crynwr.com/cgi-bin/ezmlm-cgi?3
