07.18.07
Quoteworthy: Using Linux ‘Partners’ Against GPLv3 Adoption
A friend of mine, Mark Kent, took a different angle and explained what Microsoft is trying to achieve. With permission, I’ll quote this in full.
”In case anyone hasn’t realised, this [Linux deals and retaliation] has become Microsoft’s anti-GPLv3 campaign, ably assisted by various open-source luminaries, naturally.
Microsoft’s intent is that customer pressure will somehow force Linspire, Novell and others to avoid GPLv3, who will then somehow push back on the GPLv3 projects through forking or pressure to get them back onto GPLv2.
It won’t work, because they’re trying to push a pyramid from the point, but it’s an interesting attempt.”
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.
Felipe Alvarez said,
August 13, 2007 at 2:04 am
“…but it’s an interesting attempt.”
Icing on the cake. Posts like these keep me optimistic. Let’s show more of these ones, to take our minds of the possibility GNU and free software are on the way out…
Roy Schestowitz said,
August 13, 2007 at 8:04 am
As long as we keep Novell straight, GNU and Free software are not going anywhere, but I think we must take action fast.
http://boycottnovell.com/2007/08/13/patent-risk-novell/
Before the FSF blocked Microsoft using the GNU GPL, Microsoft was hoping to drive Red Hat (and others) out of business by selling its own Linux through Novell (it cannot acquire Novell because of antitrust issues). Remember that Microsoft earns money from sales of Novell Linux. It also controls the quality of interoperability and optimization. When you control your product and your rival’s product, here is what you get:
http://boycottnovell.com/2007/07/16/making-money-from-rival/
Follow the links therein.