LaCie Network Space – no more development – can we have the kernel?

19Dec/08Off

LaCie Network Space – no more development – can we have the kernel?

I have been in contact with LaCie tech-support for the past couple days. I cannot see my shared media in iTunes and they have been assisting me.

But that aside, tech support dropped a bombshell on my today. The LaCie Network Space 1TB, which I bought some two weeks ago, is no longer being developed.

Here a screenshot of the response by the tech support person (in German);

Firmware version 1.1.6 is where the fun ends. While this upset me, it also got me thinking. Since the Network Space uses a linux kernel, it is based on open source software, and as such, LaCie should release the source code.

I may be wrong, but no where on the LaCie website can one download the source code.

So users demand that the source code be released, so that we can continue to maintain our NAS devices.

I would hate to think that there is some destructive bug hidden away in the code, which might one day fry my backups and files because the code is no longer being maintained.

What do you think?

Tagged as: LaCie, Linux, NAS, Open Source Comments Off

Comments (15) Trackbacks (1) ( subscribe to comments on this post )

Andre
December 31st, 2008 - 01:02

Hi, i own also a Lacie Network Space. But with an older FW. Do you know where to get 1.1.6 – the Lacie Website is %§”$&§”"
CognitiveCombine
January 4th, 2009 - 18:51

Hello Andre,

I am sorry, but I was not able to find any link on the LaCie website, if you find it, please do let me know.

Thanks
casper
January 14th, 2009 - 02:18

hello,
very good initiative.

It’s a violation of the GPL license if they not publish the source code.
I have a Lacie Network Space and i want to repair it because i have some problems with the ftp.

If you know how to connect with ssh, tell me.

thanks and sorry for my bad english.
Peter
January 22nd, 2009 - 21:49

My labtop and my computer and my PS3 and Itunes have constantly problems with this piece of crap, it has been ratling sinde I bought it 2 weeks ago and it won’t stop, to copy files or save files to and from take a lifetime and will be interupted because of lost connection, If anyone reads this PLEASE EBUY A LACIE PRODUCT. I have read loads of forums about problems with LACIE, another lesson to be learned is never to trust a computer specialist in a computer store, first search the net for real helpfull information
Raymond
January 30th, 2009 - 04:19

Question; you say the Network Space uses linux kernel. How can you tell?
CognitiveCombine
February 2nd, 2009 - 10:10

Hi Raymond,

If you look at the log files, you can see kernel entries, which I believe refer to a Linux kernel.
Seb
February 15th, 2009 - 11:40

Lacie networkspace runs WinNT Server! Not Linux
CognitiveCombine
February 15th, 2009 - 18:50

@Seb:

What makes you think that?

As far as others have been able to tell, and based on the log files, the LaCie Network Space uses: Linux version 2.6.12.6-arm1

Source: http://lacie.nas-central.org/wiki/Category:Network_Space
Lio
February 17th, 2009 - 21:26

I think the winnt thing was a joke. As you can see in your nas logs, it’s a busybox linux for arm.
rhernik
April 22nd, 2009 - 21:55

I bought this one myself 3 weeks ago, and could not belive this NAS had so few options and settings! With is the point with 2 folders and 2 accounts to be able to access this NAS? It is a joke and useless and they should have these things documented for this NAS (which they don’t).

I created a service ticket myself today and asked if they are ever going to update this NAS with more administrative settings. Shortly after, I found this blog of yours that state they won’t develope the linux in this NAS
CognitiveCombine
April 23rd, 2009 - 15:19

@ rhernik:

Hi there. Actually several of us have received mixed signals from LaCie. Some have been informed that there will be updates while others have been informed that development has ceased. However, you can head on over to http://lacie.nas-central.org/wiki/Category:Network_Space where several users have figured out ways to add functionality and features to the Network Space.

Also make sure to look through the forums there, many tips on adding functionality and software.
rhenrik
April 25th, 2009 - 07:29

Thanks for your reply, I did have a brief look through the details in the URL you pointed out last week, and I felt it was a bit overwhelming Linux isn’t my strong area, but otherwise I am very used with computers, so I know I can do this

In the meanwhile, I have received a reply from LaCie:

“The FTP on this drive is designed for just one account, the one created for it in the web admin page. There isn’t any plans that we are aware of to increase it to include more users unfortunately.”

… so, there are no plans to upgrade this one.
konx
October 5th, 2009 - 11:54

Hi,
There is one could make an iso image of linux kernel? because my lacie network space has the hd down, and lacie support are very °§%&££££$%&&&!!!!!!

thank you!!

luca
Charlie
October 12th, 2009 - 22:02

Seems that an update to firmware of v1.1.8 has been released, (July 2009)
http://www.lacie.com/uk/support/drivers/driver.htm?id=10156

Only problem is that for some reason my Network Space refuses to update, I can’t get any further than the “Preparing Update – Your device will reboot and thus disapear” (sic)
Johan
February 25th, 2010 - 23:41

Late comment, but some people still have the drive in use – like myself;
LaCie has placed some information about GPL on their website: http://www.lacie.com/gpl
The source code for the drive is now publicly available.