Cendio AB discovers GPL Violation by 2X Software Ltd

Linköping, Sweden - Jan 30. 2006 -- Cendio AB has uncovered a GPL violation by 2X Software Ltd, a UK based company selling thin-client products. 2X violates the GPL by not providing source code to two of its products LinRDP and DOSRDP.

These former products were acquired into 2X Software Ltd when it merged with Terminal-Services.net, and although they are not advertised on 2X' web site, the GPL demands that the source code is made available up to 3 years after they are released (GPL, paragraph 3b).

LinRDP and DOSRDP are derived from rdesktop, an application that allows users on Linux and UNIX to connect to Windows using the RDP protocol. rdesktop is covered by the GPL license, which allows vendors to extend and market applications that are covered by it. However it also requires the vendor to provide the full corresponding source code and a copy of the full license text.

The rdesktop team discovered the GPL violation more than 2 years ago. Cendio AB, the vendor of the thin client product ThinLinc, has been in constant communication with 2X Software Ltd during the last 3 months without being able to come to a fruitful resolution. Instead, Terminal-Services.net and then later 2X Software Ltd has refused to provide the source code to LinRDP and DOSRDP although they build upon rdesktop (see http://www.cendio.com/linrdp-dosrdp/ for proof).

Peo Moosberg, the CEO of Cendio AB says: "Despite being in contact with 2X Software Ltd for a long time, we have not been able to resolve this issue. It's sad to see that players like 2X Software Ltd don't play by the rules. This will undermine the community and make it harder for the honest companies to continue to deliver their products and services."

Cendio AB has contributed a number of features and extensions to rdesktop, among them improved support for national keyboards, support for sound and support for cut & paste. Two of the developers at Cendio AB are part of the rdesktop core team.