Re: RE: RC197 Online

For feature requests and bug reports RC15 RC16. Please use the forum at http://forum.ultravnc.net/

Steve Bostedor wrote:
> For feature requests and bug reports RC15 RC16. Please use the forum at http://forum.ultravnc.net/
> 
>  I do have to point out how interesting it is that everyone seems to be
> moving away from the GPL and privatizing the source code ownership.  :)  I'm
> not saying that's a bad thing, just an observation.  I figured that it was
> just a matter of time until the RealVNC folks put a cap on the GPL license.
> 
> 
> I am having a hard time grasping how the regular version of VNC4 can be
> under the GPL but the Enterprise version is not.  Aren't they the same code
> base but with an added feature set in the Enterprise version?

As I understand it, it is entirely possible for the author of a piece of 
code to release that code as GPL and as closed source, essentially 
creating a fork in the code. Anything released as GPL code and 
modifications made to that GPL code would have to remain in the GPL. 
However, modifications made to the closed source product which were not 
covered by the GPL would not have to be released as GPL. I believe that 
MySQL operates in this fashion, they have their open version as well as 
their commercial version.

> The UltraVNC situation is completely understandable, though, in my opinion.
> The source code is in a transitional state and it's completely reasonable to
> ask people to wait until everything is back in order before issuing the code
> again.
> 
> Also, Bob brought up the VNC ActiveX control that is being sold on the
> Internet without source and with no intent to offer it.  Who is to enforce
> the GPL on him, UltraVNC, or anyone else for that matter?  Is there an
> authority that forces compliance?  If not, then why even bother debating it?
> 

I believe that the Free Software Foundation are the ones charged with 
the defending of the GPL, http://www.fsf.org. As I understand it 
violators of the GPL are typically compelled to comply with the terms of 
the GPL and frequently to make a contribution to the FSF to further 
their work. I seem to recall that's what happened to Linksys when they 
failed to release the code for a number of their products that were 
Linux based.

Josh


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