Gemtek Adopts Black Duck Software’s Protex as Policy Framework for Hybrid Product Development
Wireless Broadband Solutions Provider Relies on Protex to Ensure Proper Use of Open Source Software
WALTHAM, Mass., September 23, 2008—Black Duck Software, the leading global provider of products and services for accelerating software development through the managed use of open source software, today announced that Gemtek, a world-leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, has deployed the Black Duck™ Protex platform to manage their hybrid product development process —or development that involves the assembly of open source software and home-grown components.
Gemtek will rely on Protex for compliance with company policies regarding the use of open source software in development. By identifying the origins of open source code, Protex will ensure that Gemtek’s bill of materials does not contain unauthorized use of open source components. As a result, Gemtek can make more extensive use of open source and hybrid development to more efficiently design and deliver new products.
"Open source software in combination with our internal development has become a core strategic element of product innovation at Gemtek – we can’t do everything ourselves. Black Duck Software's Protex allows us to easily identify licensed software elements, understand licensing obligations which is a very important part of the application development process for our wireless broadband solutions," Henry Huang, deputy spokesman & special assistant to president, at Gemtek said. "We needed a platform to reduce the business risks associated with open source usage and Black Duck's Protex clearly accomplishes that goal."
Hybrid development regularly involves the combination of open source software, licensed commercial software, and/or proprietary programming components and it has become an integral part of today’s software development environment for global enterprises like Gemtek. Black Duck’s Protex platform helps Gemtek coordinate the use and knowledge needed to successfully navigate what can otherwise be a confusing maze of intellectual property requirements.
“Companies can’t afford to embrace a true hybrid development approach without establishing clear guidelines for the use of open source code within their software development process,” said Bill McQuaide, executive vice president of products and services at Black Duck Software. “Companies like Gemtek are making Protex an integral part of their development process, and improving their ability to resolve business risks and legal issues early in the product development life cycle.”
Black Duck describes a set of Best Practices that companies can use to avoid the risks and gain the benefits of this promising new approach to software development. “Best Practices for Managing Software Intellectual Property in an Open Source World.” The whitepaper is available for download at: www.blackducksoftware.com/form/70160000000Gwx4
About Black Duck Software
Black Duck Software is the leading global provider of products and services for accelerating software development through the managed use of open source and third-party code. Black Duck™ enables companies to shorten time-to-market and reduce development and maintenance costs while mitigating the risks and challenges associated with open source reuse, including hidden license obligations, security vulnerabilities, unsupported open source and version proliferation. The company is headquartered near Boston and has offices in San Francisco, Amsterdam and Hong Kong, as well as distribution partners throughout the world. For more information, visit www.blackducksoftware.com.
About Gemtek
Gemtek (TSE: 4906) is the world-leading provider of Wireless Broadband solutions, offering a wide range of solutions from residential to business. On the strength of technological excellence, Gemtek has earned the reputation for delivering high-performing and solidly reliable wireless solutions. It's Gemtek's vision to create a communication world without physical boundaries. Individuals can access the information anywhere. Gemtek is in the business of helping the world to realize the enormous potential of a wireless broadband world. For more information about Gemtek, visit www.gemtek.com.tw.
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