[TriLUG] Fw: [Win4Lin-users] A suggestion regarding the kernel mod problem

[Benjamin Reed]

I suspect things'll be getting a bit more interesting on the Win4Lin list
for a while...  =)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Josh Berkus" <josh at agliodbs.com>
To: <win4lin-users at lists.netraverse.com>
Cc: <support at netraverse.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2001 7:46 PM
Subject: [Win4Lin-users] A suggestion regarding the kernel mod problem


> Amanda, Netraverse Crew:
>
> Currently Netraverse is having a significant problem keeping up with new
> Linux kernels. On average, a new kernel and/or major distribution comes
> out every 2-3 months. It takes the Netraverse development staff 6-7
> months to come out with new kernel mods, meaning that Win4Lin customers
> are forced to remain 2 revs behind current releases.
>
> This is not a surprise. After all, hundreds of developers and dozens of
> companies worldwide are contributing to kernel developement, whereas
> Win4Lin can only support 3-4 developers.
>
> However, this situation can't remain the way it is. Your nearest
> competitor, VMWare, does not have the same problem keeping up with
> current distributions. Many of us will be forced to switch just so we
> can use current software.
>
> So I have a suggestion on how to resolve this before Win4Lin loses its
> US market:
>
> Open-source the kernel mods.
>
> If you published the full specs for your kernel mods, the Win4Lin
> community is large enough, and skilled enough, to contribute kernel mods
> on their own ... with no more than few weeks delay from kernel release.
> You could even start a bounty system, say $200 to the first person to
> mod a new distribution/kernel.  To retain some control over the product,
> you might limit downloads of the specs to licensed Win4Lin users.  Then,
> and only then, will you be able to keep up with new kernels and
> distributions.
>
> I know that you folks are reluctant to give up complete control over any
> part of the product you've worked so hard to launch.  But if you can't
> keep up with new kernels and distributions, Win4Lin will see its market
> share dissapear entirely into the hands of VMWare.
>
> -Josh Berkus
>
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