02.25.07
New Campaign: Show Us The Infringements, Microsoft
Allow us to start with this timely prelude:
…Darl McBride, CEO of SCO, in 2003:
“The intellectual property roots of Linux are obviously flawed at a systemic level under the current model. To date, we claim that more than one million lines of UNIX System V protected code have been contributed to Linux through this model. The flaws inherent in the Linux process must be openly addressed and fixed.”
SCO has become a laughing stock since then. To make matters worse, its secret connections with Microsoft got exposed and now it’s facing bankruptcy.
Steve Ballmer, on behalf on Microsoft, intends to repeat this routine by making shallow accusations while refusing to disclose specifics. As a result, a new Web site/campaign has just been launched. The domain name is showusthecode.com. To quote the Open Letter:
It’s come to many in the Linux community’s attention you have claimed again and again, that Linux violates Microsoft’s intellectual property. Not only that, but it’s been reported Microsoft has convinced businesses to pay for a Linux patent that you can’t provide.
[…]
How many corporations, how many organizations, how many community members will it take to call your bluff, Steven?
A recent rebuttal argued that Microsoft may be the biggest IP thief of all times. To back this argument, we have collected some bit and pieces which readers may find handy.
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy.
Draconishinobi said,
February 25, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Might makes right, like always and forever.
If M$ says Linux stole from UNIX, when in fact M$ stole from UNIX … well M$ is right, not because they really are, but because they are the mighty evil empire, whose evil and power know no bounds. But, why do they have so much power ? From where do they get their power ? From its users and from businesses (although both are starting to switch). Switch and the power will shift to Linux.