SPI Workshop/Brainstorming Session at Debconf

[Andrew Sobala]

On Sat, 2003-07-19 at 13:09, Marcus Brinkmann wrote:
> On Sat, Jul 19, 2003 at 01:29:40PM +0200, Wichert Akkerman wrote:
> > I already disagree here. Debian's aim is to provide a free operation
> > system, developer in an open manner. SPI's aim is to help organisations
> > to develop and distribute open hardware and software (see
> > http://www.spi-inc.org/about). It naturally follows that Debian fits
> > that very well, but there are also many other projects which fit just
> > as naturally.
> > 
> > Yes, SPI was founded because these services were needed for Debian, but
> > the founders were wise enough to realise that Debian is not unique in
> > needing them. In my opinion it would be an error to suddenly forget
> > about all other projects and focus solely on Debian.
> 
> You can also try to look at it from the different angle: What happens
> if Debian would found a new Debian foundation and move its stuff over
> there and leave SPI.  What would happen to SPI?
> 
> What Ean says here is that Debian defines SPI, and that without
> Debian, SPI would not exist at all.  Which is probably true.  And if
> it is true than SPI can not be thought of being independent of Debian,
> and it is an illusion to think so.
> 

Debian provides the inertia and manpower that SPI needs, because it's a
very large project. At the moment, SPI can't exist without Debian. But
the first goal of SPI is "to create, form and establish an organization
to formulate and provide software systems for use by the general public
without charge".

There are member projects other than Debian that want to work with SPI
to these goals.

-- 
Andrew Sobala <aes at gnome.org>

This e-mail contains personal opinions only, and does not represent the
official position of the GNOME Foundation.