> What is so interesting about .Net is that it is essentially an open
> standard (some parts still in review by standards bodies)
Not only is Microsoft filing patents on .NET, but they consider the
wire-level protocol part of their licensable technology. Miguel de Icaza
from the mono project disagrees with, or misunderstood, some of what I said,
but even he says that "[Microsoft licensed material] might be needed for
interop on Windows." Anne Thomas Manes, who has become a mono advocate also
warns that "these patents assure Microsoft's control of the complete .NET
platform. So even though C#/CLI is open and non-proprietary, the .NET
platform isn't."
So you have three options:
1. Accept Microsoft IP lock-in, and develop for .NET.
2. Develop using the Java platform, and work with
Sun on increasing openness.
3. Re-do everything on the ECMA platform, abandon all
pretense of .NET, and hope that you do not still
run afoul of IP entanglements.
When I wrote that "history bears witness to the fact that EVERY time
Microsoft has opened something up, it has been nothing more than the
specialized dorsal fin of an anglerfish", I was quite serious. Microsoft is
very good at bait and catch. As even the computer, Joshua, in War Games
figured out, the only way to win is not to play the game. Am I being
paranoid? Hey, I think that they have fairly earned the reputation.
Microsoft has played the game often enough with customers, partners and
courts. They may be entitled to play fisherman, but I am not a trout.
Now if you WANT to develop Microsoft-specific code, go right ahead. I don't
have any problem with someone who wants to do so. Avalon.NET would be
valuable for developing applications on the .NET platform. I am in no way
saying that it should not be done. I'm simply responding to the belief that
.NET is any sort of open platform.
--- Noel
See also:
http://www.burtongroup.com/weblogs/annethomasmanes/archives/cat_mono.html
http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=
1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1='20030028685'.PGNR.&OS=DN/200
30028685&RS=DN/20030028685
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