G.PAK HOS - The Half-Open-Source License

Why is there a "Half-Open-Source" license?

We believe the GNU Public License (GPL) and many other similar open-source licenses are unattractive to equipment manufacturers whose equipment employs embedded software. For example, when using GPL-licensed software, the user must make his or her own proprietary software available to the world under the GPL. This opens up proprietary source code to competitors.

Our intent with the Half-Open-Source license is to enable our customers to leverage our application software and DSP algorithms, and take complete control of their own application that includes our software without having to give away their software to the world. We completely understand the value of software, the time and resources that go into developing and maintaining software, and the value of the competitive edge.

What are the basic terms of the Half-Open-Source license?

You, the licensee, obtain our application source code at no charge as long as:

1. you also license our DSP algorithms under our traditional license.
2. you do not integrate any DSP algorithms from a source other than Adaptive Digital into the same application that includes our application source code without our prior permission.

When licensing our application source code under HOS, the application code comes with no warranty and no support.

You are prohibited from redistributing our source code or any derivative works thereof. You may distribute a derived application that:

1. is in object code format;
2. has been developed by you; and
3. runs on a hardware platform that you develop and sell.

You may not integrate our application source code into an application that includes other software that is licensed under terms (such as those in GPL) that would obligate you to redistribute our source code or otherwise violate our Half-Open-License.

What is the significance of the word "Half" in Half-Open-Source?

When we first stepped into source code licensing, we receive negative feedback from some in the GPL community because our concept was not open enough. Yet there are licenses that are even more open than GPL. So who is to say what's best? It reminds me of the saying "Anybody who drives faster than me is crazy; anybody who drives slower is an idiot." We're not saying that our license is best for everybody. But our Half-Open-Source license is what we have chosen to use, and we hope it is right for some customers, including you.

That said, the "half" refers to the fact that we DO open our source to our customers, but we DON'T want them to open our source or theirs up to the rest of the world.

What if I don’t like the terms of the Half-Open-Source license?

You have the option to enter into a traditional (paid) license agreement. Such a license can include source code as well as a warranty and support.

How do I obtain G.PAK-HOS software?

Unlike GPL and GPL-like arrangements, we do not yet offer G.PAK-HOS via a publicly available FTP server. It is necessary to sign a G.PAK-HOS license before obtaining the software. Contact Adaptive Digital to get started.

or call directly 610-825-0182 x120