09.01.07
Novell’s Smaller Patent Deal (Updated)
Novell has just settled a case with what looks like a classic patent troll (company that’s mainly a patent portfolio and lawyers). The technology giant has gotten itself another unnecessary patent-license agreement. What patent is involved? You’ll be amazed.
The technology generally relates to products sold or distributed on CDs or DVDs that include a link to retrieve additional data via the Internet.
Innovative, right? Is it another case of giving up without a fight? Novell made that mistake with Microsoft last year.
Update: the press release has more details. Watch Acacia’s Web site. It’s all about patents and investors (in these patents). Isn’t that sad?
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.