[etherlab-users] License clarification

[Manfred EHRHART]

Hello,
We have considered a lot of industrial actors (field bus area : ethernet
ip, profinet io, sercos, ethercat) and we are very disappointed about
the lack of linux support (no driver for hardware controllers based, or
master stack code at prohibit coasts for small companies).
We are interested in the IgH EtherCAT® Master but some question about
the license arise. I apologize for my tiny knowledge of licensing
question. We develop our first commercial project with linux materials
(currently windows os...)

- can we actually consider that using master stack code is not a GPL
derived work. Consequently our application (test beds) is not reached by
the GPL, and our final customers are not disturbed with legal
complicated questions.

- what is the IgH point of view about the license questions: 
  - linux side : "Loadable device drivers using the normal kernel
interfaces", "loadable modules using non standard kernel interfaces"
"standalone kernel modules"
  - beckoff side vs the linux side
  - FMTC (http://ethercatmaster.berlios.de/) has removed the source code
and the status is not clear with the LGPL license. Will the IgH remain
GPL based ?
  - Beckoff (and others) are not interested with small company like mine

- Because working with commercial "big" actors tend to be very tedious
or error prone (or impossible) for small and micro companies, we are
ready to support open project.

Thanks you
Manfred