[Celinux-dev] How to protect intellectual property while maximizing open source usage?

[Holger Schurig]

> --> For example, I want to enhance linux kernel's scheduler,
> but this is a key feature of my product. Then the vendor will
> naturally try to find a way to not release this part as GPL or
> the competitor can easily get the code.

Then don't use Linux.

When you use Linux, you incorporate the work of thousands of 
dedicated developers into your product. And you don't pay 
dollars for their free and excellent work of bright people. You 
pay with contributing back, e.g. your fine scheduler.


*IF* you want to have your own scheduler and you don't want to 
use GPL software because you want to keep it proprietary, then 
use one of the BSDs and not Linux. The BSDs doesn't use the GPL 
as a license and allows companies to sit on the code and make 
their changes proprietary.

However, you see the effect: Some claim that BSD has less 
momentum as Linux, e.g. when you compare user base, kernel 
developer counts etc. But your mileage may vary, especially if 
you're a BSD fan. No pun intented!