Disponible a http://www.osaia.org/letters/sco_hill.pdf
Innovation in software in itslef is not a problem -- new computing technologies have long been an engine of growth for our nation. But there are two serious problems associated with the spread of Linux and the Open Source approach to software development and distribution. First, Linux and Open Source software are developed and distributed (often at no cost) under a schema called the GNU General Public License (GPL) which, some believe, is in direct contradiction to U.S. Copyright law, to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), and to the recent Supreme Court decision in Eldred vs. Ashcroft. (...) The second problem with Open Source software is that is not all original. Linux software contains significant UNIX software code that has been inappropriately, and without authorization, placed on Linux. I know this because my company, The SCO Group, owns the rights to that UNIX code originally developed by AT&T. SCO holds licenses to this valuable asset with more than 6,000 companies, universities, government agencies and other organizations. But as the use of Linux has grown, license revenue from UNIX has shrunk. Why whouldn't it? Why should someone license UNIX code from SCON and other legitimate providers when they can get much of that same code, for free, in Linux? (...) 2. The threat to our international competitive position. In a growing number of countries, including Britain, Germany, France, Israel, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, China and Russian (sic), national and municipal governments are requiring that governments entities use Open Source software, Instead of UNIX from any number of U.S. companies or Windows from Microsoft, governments thoughout Europe and Asia are using Linux, often downloaded for free from the Internet. 3. The threat to our national security. I assert than Open Source software --available widely through the Internet -- has the potential to provide our nation's enemies or potential enemies with computing capabilities that are restricted by U.S. law. SCO's UNIX software is subject to export licensing restrictions, and for good reason. With the powerful multi-processing features of UNIX software, someone could build a supercomputer for military applications. My company must adhere to these restrictions: we cannot sell to North Korea, Libya, Iran, Sudan and several other nations. But a computer expert in North Korea can download the latest version of Linux, complete with multi-processing capabilities misappropriated from UNIX, and, in short order, build a virtual supercomputer. When I talk about this, some people think I'm an alarmist. I have a different view --I think that this may have already happened. (...) The GPL (which its authors call "copyleft" to emphasize that it is the opposite of copyright) should not be allowed to continue to undermine the foundation of one of our most important industries. Dan McBride President and CEO, The SCO Group, Inc.
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