Microsoft-Novell: What a long, strange year it's been

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VERDICT: Microsoft's cynical patent FUD campaign is a DISMAL FAILURE

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Let's be honest here. Microsoft doesn't want to "interoperate" with Linux. Microsoft wants to EMBRACE AND DESTROY Linux. Fortunately, as is often the case when Microsoft gives the "bear hug of death" and then tries to stab the victim in the back, they often miss. This case is no different.



From Microsoft's press release (1):

"...Having exceeded their original business targets, the companies continue to see strong demand for interoperability and intellectual property (IP) peace of mind..."

So... they are selling "peace of mind", huh. This is a tacit admission that the campaign is about fear, not business and legal reality.



Major corporations are NOT buying into Microsoft's patent FUD

Microsoft claims success and cites 30 companies. Where are the major corporations? General Electric? Proctor and Gamble? Citicorp? Bank of America? The rest of the "Fortune 500"? The fact that major corporations are not buying into this tells you everything you need to know.



Linux Distros are NOT buying into Microsoft's patent FUD

In the first year, Microsoft has signed up only four Linux distros:

1. Novell - Desperate for the cash they received from Microsoft in the deal.

2. Xandros - A small commercial Linux distro.

3. Linspire - A small commercial Linux distro.

4. TurboLinux - A small commercial Linux distro.

Meanwhile, two very large Linux distros, RedHat and Ubuntu, have already publicly said they are not going to sign patent deals with Microsoft. I applaud and cheer them. Theirs is the correct response to Microsoft's cynical patent FUD campaign.



This is about FEAR, not "interoperability"

And, the "interoperability lab"? This is just PR spin. Eight staffers and only 2,500 square feet? Microsoft is sending four of the "best and brightest" they have? Baloney!

For Microsoft-Novell lab, eight is enough
http://www.news.com/8301-13580_3-9776042-39.html?tag=blog.9



Pride goeth before the fall. Microsoft's cynical patent FUD (Fear-Uncertainty-Doubt) campaign against Linux is a DISMAL FAILURE.



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(1) Microsoft press release, November 7, 2007
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/nov07/11-07MSNovell1YearPR.mspx

Posted by: TechExec2   Posted on: 11/08/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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