🚀 go-pugleaf

I was involved in a system evaluation which involved, among other
systems, the Data General Aviion 5100. This is based on the Motorola
88000 and is appearently a pretty new model.

During the selection process, I had to compile benchmark software on all
the systems. I was intrigued by Data General's seeming dependence on the
GNU C compiler as its production compiler.

The GCC is listed in Data General documentation as a DG product,
complete with product number. It is the only C compiler shipped with the
system, as the Green Hills compiler is an extra cost option.

Nowhere in the DG docs (I looked) included the FSF General Agreement or
any copyright/copyleft information separate from DG's own legalese. I do
recall that the GCC source code was available for no charge if the user
requested a tape of 'contributed software' from DG (which, I believe,
contains some other freely-distributable software).

But nowhere did I see explicit allowance for copying of the GCC or its
libraries.

The DG documentation alluded that DG had made 'improvements' on the GCC
code. I do not know whether the source for such improvements was either
made available in source or offered to the FSF.

I am curious. Has Data General made any contribution to the FSF in thanks
for allowing DG get away without developing its own compiler? Does the DG
system use GNU or AT&T libraries (if GNU, then I assume the compiled
binaries are subject to copyleft).

Moreover, does the above use of GCC (supplied as a manufacturer's
product, without the accompanying copyleft information) constitute a
misuse of the software? Can the FSF cripple the Aviion project by
prohibiting such use? Was it prudent for DG to make GCC the primary
compiler rather than an option?

-- 
   Evan Leibovitch, Sound Software, located in beautiful Brampton, Ontario
                 evan@telly.on.ca / uunet!attcan!telly!evan
Canada could have enjoyed: English government,French culture,American know-how;
Instead we ended up with:  English know-how,French government,American culture.