[Arm-netbook] getting allwinner SoC support upstream (was Re: Uploading linux (3.9.4-1))

[luke.leighton]

On Fri, Jun 7, 2013 at 12:27 PM, Neal Peacock <neal at nic-stix.com> wrote:
>
>
> "mike.valk at gmail.com" <mike.valk at gmail.com> wrote:

>>As I read/see it :
>>
>>Conforming/Collaborating with DT/Upstream Kernel/Linux-sunxi has at
>>least the following benefits for AllWinner
>>- Acces to the latstest kernels. With little effort.
>>- Free bug fixing.
>>- Faster deployment of new Adroid versions with
>>- Obtaining market share in other distro's/OS'es like: FirefoxOS,
>>Tizen, Desktop linux, ....
>>- Obtaining market share easily in other area's like: Thin client's /
>>TV's / Desktops / Low level control (ARM is becomming more popular in
>>the 'Arduino' segment) etc.
>>- Gaining access/compatibility to a lot of other peripheral hardware
>>without any effort.
>>- No dependency on hardware of the currently supported 3rd party
>>vendors
>>- More focus on there core business... Making SoC's. Less on software
>>development.
>>- Access to great developers around the world
>>
>>There could be more.
>
> I think this summarizes the benefits pretty well.  One thing to add , they have already seen and taken advantage of these benefits.  We have seen linux-sunxi community commits end up in their kernel source.
>
> The current linux-sunxi community is very small next to whole of the Linux community.  They know how much software development is currently costing them.  This money could be spent for great new features that make them stand out from the competition, instead its just keeping up a parallel development program. Since Android is tied to the mainline their workload is only going to increase over time unless they invest in joining the community approach.
>
> Their current build system is very easy to use and install.  Given that, I see no reason Henrik's solution won't work.  Keep fex, make a converter program, rebuild your DT kernel when needed.

 neal, mike, this is great - i missed it earlier.

 ye gods such a lot to do.