They adhere to the GPL by releasing the source code of 
C30/ASM30. That is why we have already people releasing
Debian and Redhat Linux version of C30. However 
it seems there is no legal means of redistributing the
libraries and other things yet.
http://noel.feld.cvut.cz/dspic/
http://www.baycom.org/~tom/dspic/
http://forum.microchip.com/tm.asp?m=94243 

The optimizer is closed source though. The license 
manager is closed-source but not very smart. ;-)

Regards,
Xiaofan

>From C30 README:
2. GNU General Public License

   With the exceptions noted below, the dsPIC tools are written and
   distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) which means
   that its source code is freely distributed and available to the
   public.

   The source for the tools under the GNU GPL may be downloaded
   separately from the Microchip WWW web page. You may read the
   GNU GPL in the file named COPYING located the top level of your
   install directory.

   Exceptions to the GNU GPL:

   pic30-lm
   pic30-pa
   sim30

   Support code provided for the header files, linker scripts, and
   runtime libraries are also exceptions to, and therefore not
   covered under, the GPL.

-----Original Message-----
From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu]
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 11:55 AM
To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
Subject: Re: [PIC] "free" version of C30.

Chen Xiao Fan wrote:
> Anyway
> they are smart to use GCC as the base.

Can't one use the GPL virus to get the source out of them?

--Michael
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