05.19.07
Why Novell Loves Microsoft’s Latest Attack on Open Source Software
As we repeatedly argue, Novell is an accomplice in Microsoft’s ethical crime, which involves terrorising vendors in a manipulative fashion. Novell has distanced itself from Microsoft numbers, but it has not properly denounced the claims that Linux is ‘unclean’. In the process, Novell may have even contradicted itself. Compare the cited items to Steinman’s latest statement, namely “I want to make it extremely clear. We do not think there are any IP violations in Linux“.
The following new article argues that Novell has a reason to gleefully stick by the sidelines while Microsoft spreads FUD and intimidates everyone. It is almost clear whose side Novell is on, but it will never admit this.
Microsoft Linux spat good news for Novell
[...]
“Rather than litigate, Microsoft has spent the past three years building an intellectual property bridge that works for all parties, including open source, and the customer response has been tremendously positive,” said a Microsoft spokesman.
“Our focus is on continuing to build bridges. Microsoft and Novell have already developed a solution that meets the needs of customers, furthers interoperability, and advances the interests of the industry as a whole.
“Any customer that is concerned about Linux intellectual property issues needs only to obtain their open source subscriptions from Novell.”
By isolating itself from the Free Software community, Novell can now compete against it. It can compete with distributor that honour the hand that fed them. Novell has chosen to use Linux in order to fight Linux. Several years ago, we expected this from Microsoft, but it turns out to be a ‘joint venture’ of Microsoft and a company which is now possessed — a company that happily opened its gates to a malicious Trojan horse that, over time, will suck its life out and replace it. Have a look at some of the ill effects of this, based on the words of a man who recently called to boycott Microsoft and Novell as far as OSBC is concerned.
That has done little to pacify concerned open source advocates. “They [Microsoft] want open-source software companies to like them and tell everyone what a good friend to open-source software Microsoft is,” said Dave Rosenberg, CEO of MuleSource, an open-source middleware vendor. “But it’s clear that the goal is not to embrace but to destroy.”
Microsoft’s latest revelation may cause companies not to consider open-source software, even though the company’s patent claims are vague, Rosenberg said.
Linux.org runs an essay which is titles “Convicted Monopolist Terrorizes Software Industry“.
That headline is designed to grab your attention. Sensationalistic as it may be, it also happens to be true, if what you mean by ‘terrorize’ is to provoke fear.
If you’ve been following the presidential race in the United States, you know the present crop of candidates have been exploiting the fear of the American people as they never have before in the history of the country.
Where is the Novell marionette? If it were truly a company that honours Free software roots — as opposed to proprietary roots — then it would have stood up to fight Microsoft’s claims. As it stands, Novell seems to quietly support Microsoft’s action while others take cover. Novell has become a risk and parasite as far as GNU/Linux is concerned. You are strongly encourage to speak with your wallet and boycott the company.
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.
Francis said,
May 19, 2007 at 3:57 am
You should really just join us in #opensuse-fud some time so we can really explain these to you. Honestly, we hardly have to be efforts to see the holes in the whole premises and arguments set out here (like your misuse of the word “patents”).
Again I’m recommending the FAQ, as well.