[ddutt@xxxxxxxxx]

Hi Christopher,

Christopher K.  St.  John writes:
 > This results in a higher-quality product for users, and makes
 > it easier for Ethereal developers to evolve the code without
 > stranding users. Changing the license removes that pressure, and
 > results in binary-only plugins and all the pain that implies. 
 > As was mentioned earlier in the thread, it's still possible
 > (maybe, see patent isssues above) to release an open source plugin
 > if there is a binary plugin available, but why not keep up the
 > pressure to have source code released in the first place? 

Because companies may choose to release it with commercial vendors under NDA. I
see that as a losing proposition to public domain software such as
Ethereal. When companies are willing to say, I'll release decoders for
proprietary protocols provided my IPR (read income) is unaffected, I see that
as a win for Ethereal, not a loss. I am at a loss to see how what I'm
requesting is Cisco FUD ! 

Finally, there are clearly issues that have nothing to do with my
request; Andrea's H.323 decoder for example. What harm do you see in releasing
decoders such as that because the plugin API is now licensed differently ?

Dinesh
-- 
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
                                           - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe