| Ricoh has been actively
working to adopt open source software (OSS) to its products
for several years. Examples include a UNIX compatible OS, NetBSD
as kernel, control software of our imaging products like digital
copiers and printers. To adopt OSS in a product, it is not enough
to simply evaluate the pure technical points, such as examining
if the software provides the functions needed, and on their
affinity with other software developed in-house. We must also
evaluate the conditions (software license) to observe in using
that software. To this end, research and development projects
must have not only software development specialists, but also
members with excellent knowledge in judicial issues, like intellectual
property rights.
Ricoh verifies the validity of using
OSS, and development efficiency when mixed with in-house developed
software, through research and development of the technology
to build an OSS-based platform responding to our customers'
solutions. This will all be done keeping the ubiquitous era
in mind. At the same time, we are examining ways to license
software for solution platforms, through opinion exchange
with outside software licensing experts.
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