02.11.08
Sapna Kumar Explains the GPLv3 (Video)

The GPLv3 is important for the battle against software patents. It is also highly vital to the battle for prevalence of Free software. which is why Steve Ballmer (pictured above) looks rather worried.
If you are new to this debate, here is a good lecture that is balanced.
Sapna Kumar, Duke University Law School Faculty Fellow, discusses the differences between GPL 2 and GPL3 and the threat of software patents to open source projects and developement.
The FSF is not trying to sell anything to you, other than your freedom and rights as a developer and user. █




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.