Re: [tdf-discuss] RE: Proposal to join Apache OpenOffice

On Sat, Jun 4, 2011 at 4:31 PM, Eduardo Alexandre <eduardogula@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> In my opinion, after all history involving OpenOffice, the ideal would be that
> this code was donated to the TDF. Everything under the GPL.
>
> With the software under the Apache license, we can not "work directly" in
> LibreOffice because they can not use our effort due to license GPL-Apache.
>
> Thus, we must direct our efforts to the software under the Apache license
> and "reuse" what we want to LibreOffice.
>
> But it will also allow our volunteer work is used by large companies to "create
> " an unopened product for sale. We will be working for free.
>
> This is interesting? What is the advantage for the "community"?

IBM already has an OpenOffice product called IBM Lotus Symphony,
http://www.ibm.com/software/lotus/symphony
Although based on OpenOffice, it is closed-source due to a special
deal with Sun.
If you try to download it, you are presented with a typical restricting EULA.

I believe that IBM, pushing for Apache OpenOffice, want to get the
best of the work of the community in order to enhance their product,
and start selling to business customers.
IBM employees claimed that they will make parts of Lotus Symphony
available to Apache OpenOffice, however it is not clear what is in
Lotus Symphony and what will make it into Apache OpenOffice.

With Apache OpenOffice, IBM would probably get an unfair advantage to
sell their proprietary OpenOffice. And this would be bad for the
community.

Just like the Linux kernel is copyleft (GPL) and everyone contributes
to a single project, OpenOffice/LibreOffice should be copyleft, so
that all work goes to one place and is able grow fast.

Simos

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