Re: I2O, free software

Alan Cox (alan@lxorguk.ukuu.org.uk)
Tue, 22 Jul 1997 10:01:20 +0100 (BST)


> I am not quite sure how the legalities work in this case, but I would like
> to hear someone's informed opinion as to what are the potential real world
> problems Linux/GNU/free software people could face because of I2O.

It goes like this
Hello we'd like to write I2O support for Linux
$5000/yr please
[assuming we find it]
Binary only, can't reveal its workings to end users, non members,
and if you leave you must stop shipping the I2O support

so for Linux this is a problem

> Is there some possibility that if all hardware vendors implement I2O's
> standards, OSs which don't use I2O won't be able to use their hardware? It
> doesn't sound very realistic to me. However, if that's the case, can
> someone explain me how that could happen?

Because you wont be able to write drivers, or get any driver documentation.
No single I2O vendor will be able to tell you how to program their I2O
board unless you are a member of the I2O group^H^H^H^H^Hcartel.

Alan