> I can't think of anyone who would want to prevent Linux from using ZFS now that Sun is gone.
Oracle? I doubt they would, but I mean, it's Oracle.
I get you point but Oracle don't really seem all that interested in maximizing Solaris.
The problem we have is Oracle also don't seem at all interested in maximizing ZFS either. So they'd quite happily see both die.
Only until they figure suing others would be worth a grab for them.
That doesn't contradict my statement.
One can be aggressively litigating using ones IP while also letting the technology behind that IP die.
> prevent Linux from using ZFS now that Sun is gone.
Considering btrfs isn't really going anywhere why would they not rather take the effort to relicense zfs than put any effort on btrfs if they have no bad intention with zfs?
Fixing zfs' situation surely can buy some mindshare for Oracle.
Yes, but it's shipped as a separate kernel module (as in separate file) rather than built into the Linux kernel. As for the legality of this, it can really only be determined in court, which hopefully won't happen since I can't think of anyone who would want to prevent Linux from using ZFS now that Sun is gone.
It would be great if it could eventually be part of Linux mainline which would then allow it to easily be used on boot volumes as well. That would require dual/relicensing though, since Linus Torvalds have said that CDDL code will not be merged with mainline (most likey a result of consultation with Linux Foundation lawyers).