[ale] google and gpl

[Jim Kinney]

I was just thinking about google and the gpl. We all know that google
wouldn't be able to run were it not for Linux. We all also know they use a
ton of Linux stuff and don't _have_ to release their modifications as they
are in that special grey area of _using_ the code and not distributing the
code. They only show the output of the code.

In fact, it was just this sort of application service providor not giving
back that led to the GPL v. 3. (yes, google does give back in other ways but
not the stuff they code for their applications, machines, etc)

So if Linus relents and the kenel becomes gpl3 licensed, What will google
do? Will they release their kernel modification (that could be cool)? Will
they stick with an older licensed kernel and go their own way from then on
and thumb their nose at the rest of the world (I can see that as a very real
option for them)?

Pure speculation time here: I think they will go somewhere in the middle -
release _some_ of the kernel mods and stick to that gpl v2 version and
in-house their own version from then on. I could be WAY off base and they
may jump on the gpl3 bandwagon solidly.

<your comments here>

-- 
-- 
James P. Kinney III
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