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AN changing USB driver stack to 32-bit

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Doug Bissett:

--- Quote ---I don't read that you may not distribute it, that you may not modify it or that you may not copy it. This one comes from OS/2 Developer Connection Device Driver Kit, Version 4 Edition (June 1996).
--- End quote ---

The problem is not with distributing the final result. The problem is, that you cannot buy, rent, or sell, the license to use the DDK without IBM being involved. IBM no longer sells it, so your only option is to buy the license from somebody who already has it. Then,the seller needs to go through some legal procedure to convince IBM that they have destroyed all copies that they have, and get the new licensee registered as being licensed. Since IBM has no way to do that (and they can veto the new license anyway), you can't do it. Without the DDK, you cannot build the driver(s), so only those who have a license can build drivers that use the DDK.

Whether IBM would care, is another matter, but that is something that Arca Noae cannot take a chance on. If IBM goes after them, for some reason, they are out of business, and OS/2 will likely come to an end.

Martin Iturbide:

--- Quote from: Joop on February 02, 2018, 06:34:59 pm ---I really don't know what this is all about. ...

--- End quote ---

Hi Joop.

1.- I see the problem from the Open source perspective. The license on the "1. Grant of License for the IBM Code" section it says:


--- Quote ---In addition, IBM grants to you the non-exclusive, non-assignable, non-transferable right, under the applicable IBM copyrights, to reproduce and distribute, in object code form only, the IBM Code and/or the permitted derivative work thereof, but only in conjunction with and as part of the OS/2 Device Driver and only if you:

a) do not make any statements to the effect or which imply that the OS/2 Device Driver is "certified" by IBM or that its performance is guaranteed by IBM and

b) agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend IBM and its subsidiaries and their suppliers from and against any and all claims, legal proceedings, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising out of or in connection with your distribution of the IBM Code and/or the OS/2 Device Driver.

You must reproduce any copyright notice(s) on each copy, or partial copy, of the IBM Code. If you redistribute any of the AFM and/or PPD files you must include the following copyright notice: "Copyright 1988, 1989 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All Rights Reserved".


--- End quote ---

Uhm, reading it complete gives me a different context. I need to read it all again.


2.- -About using the IBM DDK, since IBM DDK was available with a free of charge registration on the IBM site, I think you can still use it legally while you comply to the license agreement that IBM provided. At least until IBM publish an announcement letter saying that is taking back the right of use on the IBM DDK.

Regards

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