On 20 Dec 2002, Joseph Dal Molin wrote: ... > In this case they are clearly bundling the cost of whatever SW > development there was in the hardware cost...but its the "no software" > message that is interesting...the next best thing is free > software
Joseph, The critical feature of "free software" is the freedom to modify and re-distribute intellectual property. What kind of license does the hardware appliance come with? Does the license take away my freedom to tinker and improve it? Do you know whether I am allowed to copy/modify their database system and re-distribute my own modified version of their system (hardware + firmware/software)? If not, what they are offering is just the same as any proprietary (software) system, _no better at all_ with regards to freedom to innovate! > ...so this may actually help open source. How so? How is yet another proprietary solution helpful to open source efforts? Please clarify. Best regards, Andrew --- Andrew P. Ho, M.D. OIO: Open Infrastructure for Outcomes www.TxOutcome.Org (Hosting OIO Library #1 and OSHCA Mirror #1)
