Microsoft patent peace--or patent war?

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You are assuming that the other distros ...

include the same infringing software that SuSE *MIGHT* include. In reality this is nothing new. It is not even a precident. MS has had an IP agreement with Linspire for some time now, proceeding out of the 'Lindows' settlement. So I think the likelyhood of an MS lawsuit against a Linux distributor or user is EXTREMELY small. There simply isn't enough potential infringing IP in Linux to make it worthwhile. SCO had a far better case in terms of potential infringment and they are going down in flames. MS's chances of winning IP litigation don't come close, and in the process they would bring on the wrath of regulators worldwide, not to mention ill will on the business side. And Novell would end up in the same boat as SCO if they litigated against another distributor. So I think you are fantasizing as grossly as the Linux folks who are running around in a panic over this. The bottom line is that Linux represents a potential new market for MS and all the ISVs. To take advantage of this market, they will need to deal with the distributors. That is coming. First Linspire, now Novell. Perhaps Red Hat next. Who knows. I can certainly see a version of Red Hat Linux with fully licensed support for NTFS. After all, Red Hat currently refuses to offer the opensource 'bootleg' NTFS support currently available. Most of the distros are carefully dotting their i's and crossing their t's when it comes to IP issues. This will be a reasonably smooth transition and both MS and Linux will be ahead in the end. Linux distros loaded with IP from MS and other ISVs? More and more of us are saying "Bring it on! And we will gladly pay the toll at the gate!"

Posted by: George Mitchell   Posted on: 11/05/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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