Re: [PATCH] bnx2 - use request_firmware()

[Alan Cox <alan@lxorguk.ukuu.org.uk>]

On Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:08:56 -0400
> > Not shipping lots of copies
> > Not leaving crap locked in kernel memory when it isn't needed
> > Letting vendors issue firmware updates (which especially in enterprise
> > space is a big issue and right now gets messy with compiled in firmware)
> 
> Do these benefits justify the removal of an actively used feature, one 
> more reliable than its replacement?

I think they do for a lot of drivers. And I dispute the actively used
feature claim except for a tiny number of people.
> 
> >> I think it is, in fact, the driver maintainer's perogative of whether
> >> they want request_firmware() to be supported by their driver or not.
> >> It is they who have to deal with any possible fallout.
> > 
> > And their users and the distributors for whom it can cause enormous pain.
> 
> Where is this enormous pain associated with tg3's compiled-in firmware? 
>   It's been quite convenient.

How many kernel updates do you think all the worlds users and
distributors have transferred. How much bandwidth and time do you think
that cost ?

Alan