GPL Violation: Linux Embedded DVRs

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Hello,

I have been contacted by an outfit who wanted to know if I am interested
in reselling their product line. While their product line looks
impressive as far as standalone DVRs are concerned, I noticed they use
an embedded Linux. I kind of blew the gentleman off in the phone
conversation as I was really busy, however when I noticed in the
followup email that they use Linux, I became intrigued as I have been
looking for Linux-compatible DVR solutions for a while, and checked out
their web site. I was dismayed (about GPL compliance) however when I
inquired further, and with their noncompliance with GPL being bad for
the Linux community at large, I will not do business with this company.
If they are willing to violate the GPL agreement, what is to say they
won't refuse to honor warranty, etc.? Lack of integrity is lack of
integrity, period, _IMHO_.

I inquired about their GPL compliance and their policy is that since
they are using it in an embedded solution, they see no need to comply
with the GPL (They claim that embedded solutions do not have to comply
with the GPL, which as we all know is completely false). Enclosed below
is the entire thread, apart from the initial telephone contact earlier.

It's wonderful that they're perfectly willing to take the work of others
and make millions off of it without paying ANY fees for the kernel and
associated modules and utilities (not to mention presumably GNU
utilities as well as kernel), and not contribute their changes back, eh?

Anyway, for any who have the means and time to ensure GPL compliance,
here you go. Please let me know what the results are, as I would be
interested in hearing them.

--Kim

-------- Forwarded Message --------
> From: Jeff Hewitt <jeff at skywaysecurity.com>
> Reply-To: jeff at skywaysecurity.com
> To: kim at biyn.com
> Subject: Re: Linux Embedded DVR's
> Date: Thu, 06 Oct 2005 17:23:45 -0400won't refuse to honor warranty,
> etc.? Lack of integrity is lack of
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hello Kim,
> 
> We have no plans to market any PC compatible Linux capture boards.
> 
> These DVR's are purpose built as DVR's only, and the setup and
> software are only capable of performing this function.
> 
> This product does not fall under the GPL requirements as it is an
> embedded OS, and the manufacturer sees no reason to reveal the source
> code when it is a proprietary product.
> 
> Please let me know if you wish me to see you to demo this product the
> last week of October.
> 
> Best Regards,
> Jeff Hewitt A+ CNA MCSE 
> IT Partner - Sales Supervisor 
> 
> http://www.skywaysecurity.com/
> jeff at skywaysecurity.com
> 1-877-476-6607 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Kimberly Lazarski wrote: 
> > On Thu, 2005-10-06 at 15:30 -0400, Jeff Hewitt wrote:
> >   
> > > 
> > > 
> > >     
> > Hi Jeff,
> > 
> > Feel welcome to contact us when you offer Linux-compatible capture
> > boards. I notice your house brand standalone DVRs run an embedded
> > version of Linux so I do not think it would be too much of a stress for
> > you to release Linux-based capture cards for PCs.
> > 
> > Also as a side note: regarding GPL compliance. I notice on your web site
> > that you do not provide information and source for the GPL-derived
> > components in your product. Where is this information located, as it
> > must be provided in order to comply with the GPL?
> > 
> > --Kim
> > 
> >   
> > > Hello Kim, 
> > > 
> > > It was a pleasure to speak to you today.
> > > 
> > > I would like to introduce you to our Linux Embedded DVR. I have
> > > attached a PDF File that shows you the features.
> > > 
> > > I may be able to come and show you our new DVR, should you wish to
> > > learn more, and I will be in MA the last week of this month.
> > > 
> > > We also have the pdf that I have attached available in a format that
> > > you can take to your local printer to have them printed up with your
> > > added logo and address. We have also removed the Skyway name so that
> > > the product cannot be traced back to us by your clients. 
> > > 
> > > Please call me if you have any further questions. 
> > > 
> > > Best Regards,
> > > Jeff Hewitt A+ CNA MCSE 
> > > IT Partner - Sales Supervisor 
> > > 
> > > http://www.skywaysecurity.com/
> > > jeff at skywaysecurity.com
> > > 1-877-476-6607 
> > > 
> > >  
> > > 
> > > 
> > >     
-- 
No virus found in this email - I run Linux. :)