04.21.07
The Evolution of FUD Ends in Patents
Following the almost-forgotten “Show Us The Code” open letter, Glyn Moody of Linux Journal offers a good insight into the way Microsoft’s anti-Linux FUD has evolved over the years.
As I’ve noted before, I am something of a connoisseur of Microsoft’s FUD against open source, in part because I believe each successive FUD-flavour of the month gives important hints about the evolution of the thinking and strategy within the company. The latest development in this area, which revolves around patents, is no exception - not least because I think people are drawing the wrong conclusions from it.
[…]
Of course, this is precisely the SCO approach, which seems finally to be in its death-throes. And just as for SCO’s initially troubling assault three years ago, it is important now for the open source community to stick with the same simple, unwavering message in the face of Microsoft’s attempt to revive this technique: that there are no problems with patents until Microsoft can prove – not insinuate – otherwise. In other words, show us the code – or shut up.
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.