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Apple Buys CUPS

Paranoid Marvin

By Paranoid Marvin

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Big news for all you *nixes out there - Apple has bought out CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System). This system is most commonly used in Linux, it is also part of OS X. The software was distributed by Easy Software Products under the GNU license. Despite the deal being announced only recently, it turns out the deal went on during February. As well as gaining ownership to the CUPS source code, Apple will also 'gain' Michael R. Sweet, the creator of the the system. CUPS will maintain its GPL2/LGPL2 license and Sweet intends to continue supporting the product.

 

This deal does, however, raise some questions about the legal future of the product. For example, Apple could decide to fork the code tomorrow and then close the source and no one would be able to do anything about it.

On the upside, however, this could mean a much better printer system for Mac OS X, and perhaps Linux as well, if Apple keeps it open.

 

Frequently asked questions regarding the change of ownership can be found here.

 

 

There is one important thing to remember, however:

 

Do not attempt to pour tea into CUPS - it will void your warranty ;)

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sandmanfvrga

sandmanfvrga 0

Posted

Wow, this could be huge and I hope Apple doesn't screw over the Unix/Linux users.

Guest Ramm

Guest Ramm

Posted

How could you buy something under the GNU license...?

 

Unless, you meant they bought out ESP...

asap18

asap18 0

Posted

Basically Ramm, they bought the ownership of the code. So they can decide to do whatever they want with it.

 

I think the only conflict would be if it was gplv3.

Guest Ramm

Guest Ramm

Posted

Mmmm, that makes sense I guess. As long as they don't flip it around into some type self-profitable software, then I don't care...

Jeezoflip

Jeezoflip 1

Posted

What a sad day for open source :)

NeSuKuN

NeSuKuN 0

Posted

Why it's a sad day for the open source? the code had an owner, now has another owner, as long as apple stays releasing future versions of CUPS with the same or compatible lisence there's nothing to worry. I've seen too many people in barrapunto (spanish slashdot) that misunderstood this move and claimed for a fork.

sandmanfvrga

sandmanfvrga 0

Posted

Well the people in the Linux community could get a version of the code that is BEFORE the Apple purchase, change enough to make if different (I think I heard one time 25% must be different, don't hold me to this.) and then make a NEW open source printing solution. That is IF Apple just keeps this to OS X.


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