[Python-Dev] Python License may be discussed at Python Consortium Meeting

[Guido van Rossum]

While there still isn't much to report regarding the negotiations
between BeOpen and CNRI about Python releases and licenses, I thought
I should point out that there is some progress.

BeOpen is taking a stance that all Python users should appreciate --
I'd summarize it as "keep the old Python license or bust".

CNRI is trying to argue for a new license that is identical to the
JPython license (http://www.jpython.org/jplicense.html) with removal
of paragraph 3 (requirement to prominent display changes w.r.t. CNRI's
version) and paragraph 4 (trademark restrictions).  In our views, this
license is unusable for several reasons -- it's not GPL-compatible,
it's not Open Source compliant, and on previous occasions members of
the Python community have reacted strongly against it.

I promise that BeOpen won't accept CNRI's current proposal.  It's
impossible to say whether CNRI will accept BeOpen's position; as a
precaution, assuming the issue is still open next week, we've added
discussion of the license to the agenda of the Python Consortium
meeting in Monterey (see below).

I can't say what will happen if the negotiations break off -- but I
hope that the discussion at the meeting will open CNRI's eyes.

I hope that employees of consortium member companies will do
everything they can to ensure that their company is represented at the
meeting for this important discussion!

Feel free to write me for more background information.

--Guido van Rossum (home page: http://dinsdale.python.org/~guido/)

------- Forwarded Message

Date:    Mon, 10 Jul 2000 15:09:29 -0400
From:    Albert Vezza <avezza@cnri.reston.va.us>
To:      consortium-members@python.org
cc:      rkahn@cnri.reston.va.us, Barbara Fuller <bfuller@foretec.com>
Subject: [Py-Consortium] Python Consortium Meeting

Python Consortium Members,

There will be an important Python Consortium meeting on the July 21st
following the O'Reilly Open Source Conference in Monterey, California.  The
meeting will be held at the Marriott which is adjacent to the Monterey
Convention center.

This is a discussion meeting and all items on the agenda will be fully
explored along with any other important items that are brought to the
table.   If any member has an important issue they would like to see
explored please let me know.

Please RSVP to bfuller@foretec.com with the name of the attendees.

Best regards,

Al
----------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Agenda

8:00	Continental Breakfast

9:00	 Python Consortium and Its Continuing Role

10:00	Transition of the Python Development Activity

12:00	Lunch

1:00	Management of the Python.Org Site

3:00	The future Python license

4:00	The desired development path for Python 2.0

5:00	Adjourn



Albert Vezza
Vice President
Corporation for National Research Initiatives
1895 Preston White Drive
Suite 100
Reston, VA 20191-5434

Internet mail: avezza@cnri.reston.va.us
Tel: (703) 620-8990
Fax: (703) 620-0913

Natick, MA Office
Tel:  (508) 650 4020
Fax:  (508) 650 4639

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