I think this deal in itself isn't much of a deal since Xandros is pretty much a small-time distro. However, it is significant in that it sheds some light on what Microsoft's strategy is.
Looking forward into the future, assuming Microsoft envisions adding some significant portion of Linux distros to this patent covenant type of agreement - this is what happens. Microsoft gets a significant revenue share of the Linux business (and the Linux business is big and getting bigger) without doing anything except citing FUD about their patent portfolio. You could imagine them trying to a "Microsoft" sticker on each of these Linux distros. Moreover, if Linux licenses are sold through them (like in the case of Novell) they might (a) get a cut and (b) have access to the Linux market to convert people over to Windows. They haven't yet flexed their marketing muscle on this - but if Apple can come up with Mac vs. PC ads, Microsoft can probably come up with ads that talk about how 'certified' Linux distros are legal / don't infringe on IP etc. That's all they will need to do to profit significantly, assuming people drink the Koolaid. They never need actually sue anyone or even talk about which patents are being violated. Once enough companies come on board, Microsoft can start charging a time-based fee for IP licensing; thus getting what I would call extortion money - profit despite giving no value whatsoever. While a number of people refuse to believe that such FUD will work everywhere, consider this - Novell and Xandros are developers of Linux - companies who should best know what the spirit of Linux is, understand the true meaning of free software. And these companies have agreed to sign deals which essentially say, "Oops, we might be violating your patents, we'll pay you for forgiving us." What chance that corporate users - to whom Linux is nothing more than an OS that runs their mail and web servers - will be in a better position to understand that Microsoft is spreading FUD? The big names in Linux, and right now it looks like Red Hat, have to be ready to counter this. I like Red Hat's current stance that they indemnify users from IP infringements but it will have to be explained to the world at large. On 6/5/07, Lam YongXian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Well, Microsoft is pragmatic. Same for Xandro and Novell. And pragmatism changes easily, far more easily than ideals. I think half of the pragmatic population of 'Linux' users will accept Microsoft when it comes out with its new Linux-Windows or equivalents. Idealist GNU/Linux users will continue to stay away from it, like now, not because they are stubborn, but because they know what is going on. Read up about 'Free Software' to learn about this Pragmatic danger =) http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/pragmatic.html -- Lam YongXian Adolflam.com FSF Member #5279 Please avoid sending me Word or PowerPoint attachments. See http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/no-word-attachments.html _______________________________________________ Slugnet mailing list [email protected] http://www.lugs.org.sg/mailman/listinfo/slugnet
-- Regards, Anshul "Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught." -- Oscar Wilde, "The Critic as Artist"
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