[maemo-developers] Hello Maemo - CFSONID 2008

[From: Quim Gil]

ext Robert Schuster wrote:

> Now the funny thing: Recently people found out that building something
> on top of what GNU provides can make up a successful business. But
> instead of following the idea that brought GNU into existance they add
> proprietary software again.

This is a binary analysis. Nokia has added proprietary software as well
as a whole bunch of open source code released, contributed back and/or
commissioned to third parties related to upstream project.

Besides, the fact of having a company like Nokia developing products
based on Linux and open source helps _what GNU provides_ and more free
software components getting more credibility and attention in the
corporate and commercial world.

> So the answer is "no". As long as Maemo's goal is not 'providing a 100%
> free platform' as well I[0] will not contribute[1] to it and I expect
> that with more and more freedom respecting projects/products you will
> have a hard time finding people who do.

Until now maemo also has shown some capacity attracting new developers
and users to the open source arena, in part thanks to its focus building
consumer products where open source is a tool and not an end. As you
say, it is possible that the prize of that is loosing some of the guys
having 100% freedom software as first and last priority. Well, nobody
champions in all sports.


> In the FAQ[2] it is said that "Maemo doesn't mean anything". I think
> that with Nokia's continued non-focus on free software people will
> associate the term with half-open and non-freeness.

Two things to consider:

1. As for today the maemo compatible devices are the most open devices
sold in shops and fitting in your pocket.

2. How long did it get to have 100% free systems for desktops and
laptops. Still nowadays there are some rough corners. Who polished those
corners? Wasn't a combination of community and corporate effort? Isn't
understandable that a new category of devices needs also some time to
get a similar degree of openness through (again) a mixture of community
and corporate work?

-- 
Quim Gil
marketing manager, open source
maemo software @ Nokia