Re: Goto BLAS source code now available

[Quentin Spencer]

David Bateman wrote:
> Fredrik Lingvall wrote:
>   
> > David Bateman wrote:
> >   
> >     
> > > >  
> > > >       
> > > >         
> > > The exclusion from distributing binaries is also still in place and so
> > > only the user can install goto blas, which is a major limitation on
> > > its usefulness even for academics.
> > >     
> > >       
> > I just compiled the lib and the build process is rather easy (just edit
> > a config file to select which features to enable and then do a make),
> > so I don't think that it is a 'major limitation'. It took about 5 min.
> >
> > /F
> >   
> >     
> Its not the build that is the problem it is the statement
>
> # Do not redistribute the library.
> # Point others to this web page instead.
> # Reference this work when you use it successfully for your own research.
>
> on the page http://www.tacc.utexas.edu/~kgoto/ that prevents any 
> packaging of goto blas binaries for any purpose.. This condition hasn't 
> changed with the source code release.
>   

Yes, I looked at this a few weeks ago and was also disappointed in the 
new licensing conditions, since I happen to fall on the "incorrect" side 
of this arbitrary distinction made between those who work in academia 
and industry. I don't know if the licensing terms are decided by Goto or 
the department he works for, but I get the impression that he's very 
concerned about taking credit for his work. I think the overly 
restrictive terms work against him, though. If his stuff is really as 
good as it claims, it would be used by everyone if it were available 
under better licensing terms, and everyone would know his name.

-Quentin