Re: open source the IBM i kernel. Was: Why i??? NEED YOUR INPUT

On Feb 26, 2010, at 1:00 PM, midrange-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

I do want to learn, so please if you know, explain how PL/MI or w-code
is of value to IBM being proprietary? I appreciate there is a lot of
value derived when IBM uses its proprietary software to maximize
performance of its hardware.

I'm not sure that that is the right question.

To make it open source would presume that there were some value to it for the overall community. There isn't - the only value is if other things (like the OS) are also released to open source.

Even if you assume that Rochester were OK with doing this, they still have to convince multiple stakeholders elsewhere in the company that there is value to doing so. There are significant costs associated with releasing source, not the least of which are legal. I doubt IBM would consider that there is any significant benefit to be gained from doing so.

Just my opinion but I just don't see it happening.


Jon Paris

www.Partner400.com
www.SystemiDeveloper.com