Microsoft forces hard questions on open source

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The threat is stronger than the execution.

The most interesting part of the patent discussion is how emotional open source software advocates become about it.

For those more practical than idealistic, the situation is simple enough. All sophisticated software infringes on patents. Licensing fees are part of the cost of doing business. Open source is no different from any other software, and will be treated like other software.

Simple.

Microsoft has a substantial number of patents, and it's likely some are infringed upon by open source. Microsoft is also selling software, rather than being a business whose main sort of profit is IP. Microsoft knows that customers too aggravated by its actions about its IP will consider their feelings when buying software.

So from both a company culture and a marketing point of view, Microsoft is very unlikely to do anything unexpected about its IP. Those organizations making agreements will be treated appropriately in the current situation.

Also simple.

The biproduct of all these business moves is a great deal of roiling among supporters of open source. This is a bonus, because its responding to the social movement emotions rather than the business uses. The impression created does not improve the reputation for being responsible of open source advocates and participants.

So Microsoft can behave in a business-like way, and the threat exaggerated into existence by those opposed to the company only reflects badly on them.

The result could eventually be an acceptance that open source is ordinary software with ordinary IP concerns, a method of development rather than a crusade. And those holding that view will have to split with the true believers.

If that happens, Microsoft's IP campaign will be one of the most successful moves in the company's history.

(Though I still think the Novell deal was a bad place to put it. Responsible people wanted reassurance about interoperability. Why mix the message?)

Posted by: Anton Philidor   Posted on: 05/24/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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