On Sunday 20 January 2008 17:01:43 Sean DALY wrote:
> A longstanding rumor, for which I have no proof, is that parts of
> Microsoft's network code was simply copied from BSD code, which if
> true would naturally explain why Microsoft is so hesitant to documents
> its protocols not to mention its code.
That's misleading (I'm sure non-intentionally). Microsoft have indeed used BSD
code in their systems in the past and as I recall it was the TCP/IP stack -
or portions thereof. This isn't exactly uncommon and if you're choosing a
TCP/IP stack to use, there are worse choices :-)
However they *have* complied with the BSD license - if you look in the manuals
distributed with windows you will find the appropriate statements.
It is however not exactly a secret (or even a rumour!) - eg it's trivial to
find here:
* http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306819/en-us
(you'll see the various notices they're required to include)
I *believe* (but have no evidence beyond "I've been told") that they've been
reported to have rewritten that code since then, so I'd guess they no longer
need those statements. (I don't have a copy of Vista, so can't (and have no
inclination to) check :)
The reason for Microsoft not documenting it protocols and code in the way
demanded by some is IMO likely to be for some other reason. I'm going to
refrain from speculating why. I will note that documenting protocols allows
for multiple implementations - enabling competition. I suspect therefore
their decision is based on whether they can see value in competition in that
space or not. (if it grows the market, then everyone benefits including them -
since although their share shrinks the pie grows increasing their income. If
the market is at peak size, it shrinks their market share whilst not growing
the size of the pie, reducing their income)
Beyond speculating that their decision is based on cold hard money, I'm not
speculating further :-)
Michael.
*personal opinions only*
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