Re: HARDWARE: Open-Source-Friendly Graphics Cards -- Viable?

[Timothy Miller]

Helge Hafting wrote:
> On Tue, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:44:18AM -0400, Timothy Miller wrote:
>
> > > In general an open source video card is a great idea, however, I am a 
> > > bit concerned about your plans to keep the FPGA code secret.  I realize 
> > > that your company wants to make a profit, 
> >
> > And that is the POINT here.  The question isn't whether or not we can 
> > become a charity and give away all of our IP.  The question is whether 
> > or not it's possible to sell open-source-friendly products.  Designing 
> > and manufacturing hardware is EXPENSIVE.  Especially at the volumes I 
> > expect.
>
> No problem with this at all.  Of course, those who really want
> to try "open firmware" development can buy cards from you
> and reprogram the FPGA with a totally different and open
> firmware.  They will then see how hard this is.  And you
> still sell the hardware - even if they succeed to some extent.

There does appear to be some demand for variants which include things 
like high-performance rendering, ray tracing, etc.  I would enjoy 
working with people who need this sort of thing.

It's "how can we make each other happy".  You're happy with freedom in 
your products, my employer is happy with profit, and I'm happy to spend 
my time being a chip architect.  :)

> > Also do not make the mistake of believing that software is free to 
> > PRODUCE.  If it were, then free software fans wouldn't love the GPL 
> > which protects their investment of time from being ripped off by greedy 
> > companies that would like to steal their work. 
>
>
> Well said.


Thank you!

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