1 Kernel Driver Statement
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4 Position Statement on Linux Kernel Modules
5 ==========================================
8 We, the undersigned Linux kernel developers, consider any closed-source
9 Linux kernel module or driver to be harmful and undesirable. We have
10 repeatedly found them to be detrimental to Linux users, businesses, and
11 the greater Linux ecosystem. Such modules negate the openness,
12 stability, flexibility, and maintainability of the Linux development
13 model and shut their users off from the expertise of the Linux
14 community. Vendors that provide closed-source kernel modules force their
15 customers to give up key Linux advantages or choose new vendors.
16 Therefore, in order to take full advantage of the cost savings and
17 shared support benefits open source has to offer, we urge vendors to
18 adopt a policy of supporting their customers on Linux with open-source
21 We speak only for ourselves, and not for any company we might work for
22 today, have in the past, or will in the future.
45 - Luiz Fernando N. Capitulino
46 - Mauro Carvalho Chehab
55 - Arnaldo Carvalho de Melo
59 - Sven-Thorsten Dietrich
86 - Benjamin Herrenschmidt
88 - Henrique de Moraes Holschuh
138 - Venkatesh Pallipadi
165 - Alexey Starikovskiy
200 - Bartlomiej Zolnierkiewicz