04.19.07
Samsung Signs Novell-like Linux Deal with Microsoft (Updatedx2)
This is bad. It turns out that Samsung caved in to pressure and signed a cross-licensing deal with Microsoft, simply because it uses Linux.
As with Microsoft’s recent deal with Fuji Xerox, the software maker specifically notes that the deal will allow Samsung to offer products using Linux without concern that Microsoft will sue it or its customers.
As usual, there’s no mentioning of which patents are involved. At times like this we must realise what Novell has opened a door to.
Update: According to the press release, “Samsung and its distributors and customers may utilize Microsoft’s patents in Samsung’s products with proprietary software, and Samsung will also obtain coverage from Microsoft for its customers’ use of certain Linux-based products“. Linux-based products are not Linux itself. Begin to wonder about technologies like Mono.
Update #2: According to the Microsoft blog, Fuji-Xerox made a similar Linux commitment with Microsoft.
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.
geebs said,
April 21, 2007 at 11:20 am
Each time I walk into an electronics store I’m goiing to wipe a nose nugget on at least one Samsung device on display.