| From: | Alan Swithenbank |
| Date: | 2 Aug 2000 at 18:12:19 |
| Subject: | Re: AMIOPEN: Amiwest news / new SDK |
>
> On Tue, 1 Aug 2000, Rob Iacullo wrote:
>
> > > Yes, we�re back on the Windows SDK pro/con thread. :-(
> >
> > And our opinions don't matter one iota because the dicussion is moot.
> > They are coming out with it whether you like it or not. :)
> > --
>
> Discussion of this is not moot at at all. For example, Amiga Inc.
> announced licensing plans and policies that made it all the way to
> being published on the initial Linux SDK CD. Public discussion raised
> many questions and arguments as to how elements of those plans could
> negatively impact Amiga development and the community. According to
> Bill McEwen's AmiWest announcements, much of the concern raised in
> discussion has been responded to, and most of the licensing plans have
> now been significantly revised and re-written.
>
> Likewise, there are many valid concerns about how the release and
> timing of a windows SDK could negatively impact Amiga devlopment and
> the community. Discussion of when and where the new Amiga ventures
> into the windoze world are critical, because the historical perils of
> taking this road can not be ignored or trivialized. The path of least
> resisitance is a very enticing one, but it is also the most dangerous
> route possible, and the value of it needs to be thoroughly
> considered.
I could be wrong, but I don't think getting the SDK to run on top of
windows is particularly a venture into the "windoze" world. I do think
MS is pretty evil in general and their flagship products are trash,
but, if that platform can be used as a springboard for more SDK users to
get with the program, where is the real problem? Microsoft is NOT involved.
No one is or ever will be required to use Windows to develop for or use the
new Amiga. For that matter, no one will be required to use Linux in the near
future, as hosting will be OPTIONAL.
The SDK isn't a MS product any more than it is a product of the Linux
movment. It's a development package that (for the moment) leverages off an
existing OS. Allow it to set on top off the most widely distributed OS and
what actually happens? More opportunity! It's an amusing bit of irony rather
than a dangerous route that the hosted SDK can use Windows as a means to get
off the ground. Would I use it with Windows? NO! (I was fighting with f******
Windows until 0200 this very morning.) Would I suggest to someone interested
in the new Amiga who already uses Windows and cares not to use Linux that a
version of the SDK that runs on Windows will be available? Damn right I
would! I'd also point out that it's just the development package, not the
final product, which is an independent OS. I'd even tell someone who isn't
interested in hearing it...;^)
>
> It is my own considered opinion that serious damage to the community
> from the windows SDK is already evident, and that came from just
> announcing the thing. If Bill McEwen keeps his ears on, as I believe
> he does, then hearing the discussion of this may yet bring significant
> modifications to the decision, just as it did with the licensing
> issues.
>
> In the meantime, I'll expect to keep the discussion open. I'm
> still hoping it will provide a rational explanation as to how you put
> out a forest fire by throwing trees at it.
>
> /* AArexx AAron */
> /* (comment required) */
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> ADDRESS 'aaron@pd.org'
>
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--Alan
<alans@cuervo.stanford.edu>
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