Re: ia64 port
Mike Bilow wrote:
> I think this is dangerous. In the worst case, confidential information
> could be contained in the mere existence of the binaries. For example,
> suppose Intel has invented a new and secret floating point unit, the
> "xo4" array processor. Intel gives you a program called "xo4.exe" which
> they tell you will dramatically improve floating point performance when
> you run it over your source code, and after doing so you will have to link
> to the "xo4.dll" file which they also supply.
This is a nice hypothetical, but here's a quote from VA's Chris DiBona
that I read on slashdot
(http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=00/05/26/1251258&mode=nested)
The only code that is from Intel in object code form
is the BIOS and motherboard controller firmware. There
is no other object code on the system. The IA-64
Linux kernel is completely open and has been out of NDA
and licensed under the GPL since February.
Do you still have concerns? If so, I'd like to just forward them to
Chris for comments.
Is anyone else actually interested in getting started on this port? I
personally feel that the agreement is something I can sign without
feeling unduly encumbered by it. This is probably something other
developers have to decide for themselves (unless you have a lawyer to
help you ;-). If there are enough developers who feel comfortable
with it, I think we should go ahead and get started.
--
see shy jo
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