Text 17878, 64 rader
Skriven 2007-05-14 14:06:36 av Rich Gauszka (1:379/45)
  Kommentar till text 17877 av mike (1:379/45)
Ärende: Re: It's a shame that Microsoft can't compete in the marketplace...
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From: "Rich Gauszka" <gauszka@dontspamhotmail.com>


"mike" <mike@barkto.com> wrote in message
news:f1mg435v91j1g24iukspajkfogi1vl326k@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 14 May 2007 00:26:02 -0400, "Rich Gauszka"
> <gauszka@dontspamhotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>But the way that Microsoft is trying to shore up its business
>>model is shameful and shows just how vulnerable it really is.
>
>
> It's the dying gasp of a dinosaur.
>
>  /m



http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/115329.asp

Microsoft's Horacio] Gutierrez refuses to identify specific patents or explain
how they're being infringed, lest FOSS advocates start filing challenges to
them.

But he does break down the total number allegedly violated - 235 - into
categories. He says that the Linux kernel - the deepest layer of the free
operating system, which interacts most directly with the computer hardware -
violates 42 Microsoft patents. The Linux graphical user interfaces -
essentially, the way design elements like menus and toolbars are set up - run
afoul of another 65, he claims. The Open Office suite of programs, which is
analogous to Microsoft Office, infringes 45 more. E-mail programs infringe 15,
while other assorted FOSS programs allegedly transgress 68.

.....

In response, some people are challenging Microsoft to get more specific. Writes
Larry Augustin: "If Microsoft believes that Free and Open Source Software
violates any of their patents, let them put those patents forward now, in the
light of day, where we can all evaluate them on their merits. If not, then stop
trying to bully customers into paying royalties to use Open Source. It's time
for Microsoft to put up or shut up."

And Groklaw, for one, isn't worried: "In short, I took it that the Novell deal
isn't working out as well as they thought, and maybe customers aren't clamoring
for those vouchers, and it is harder to find customers than they expected, and
now GPLv3 ruined their dreams of wealth from that sort of a deal, so it's FUD
time!"

Dwight Davis, an industry analyst at Ovum Summit, said via phone this morning
that this clearly marks "a major shift in how Microsoft is dealing with Linux."

He said he doesn't see Microsoft going so far as to sue businesses that use
Linux, many of whom are also its own customers. But the saber-rattling could
cause big companies to look again at the software they use and calculate their
potential exposure. And in the short run, it could be a boon for Novell,
because of Microsoft's covenant under that deal to refrain from suing companies
that use Novell's Suse Linux.

"It's a risky strategy for Microsoft," Davis said. "It obviously has calculated
that the down side it faces is severe enough that it's worth alienating a lot
of open-source developers and a lot of customers who have

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