Microsoft has responded to claims that its Linux Integration Components (LIC) were only contributed under the GPLv2 after being out of compliance with the GPL in the first place.
It's important to note that LIC was pre-existing code available from Microsoft. The version I downloaded only supported Novel Suse, but it seems Red Hat Enterprise Linux was supported also. Until a few days ago, this code was not completely under the GPLv2. How much was, and whether GPLv2 and non-GPLv2 code was combined in a manner that violates the GPLv2, is at the root of this story.
[ To read more about Microsoft's open source contributions this week, see "Microsoft releases code for Linux drivers" and "Microsoft makes second GPLv2 release is as many days." | An engineer claims that Microsoft had been in violation of GPLv2 before releasing the Linux driver code. ]
A well-known Linux contributor, Stephen Hemminger found the LIC prior to its contribution under the GPLv2. He writes:
But on closer examination there was a problem. The driver had both open-source components which were under GPL, and statically linked to several binary parts. The GPL does not permit mixing of closed and open source parts, so this was an obvious violation of the license. Rather than creating noise, my goal was to resolve the problem, so I turned to Greg Kroah-Hartman.
Steve's post resulted in Greg Kroah-Hartman (aka Greg K-H), the Linux kernel maintainer who accepted the Microsoft code, updating his post about the Microsoft GPLv2 contribution:
Steve gives a little more of the backstory of what caused me to start talking to Microsoft in the first place.
Microsoft's Sam Ramji posted today:
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
248 Recommendations
