04.03.08
New Meme: “Open-Source Compatible”
“We’re open source… open source… compatible.”
Convictions such as this one have become more common because the “open source” definition is being hijacked, deformed, diluted, bobbed of its spirit. Here we present yet another new example.
Microsoft/XAML
This example is a case of hijacking open source, as was mentioned earlier. Watch this headline:
Microsoft is to Release Open-Source Compatible XAML/WPF Specs
Microsoft has released an early draft of the specifications for XAML and WPF under the Microsoft Open Specification Promise. This offers patent protection for implementers against claims by Microsoft, allowing open source projects to use the specifications.
A few points ought to be made:
- XAML is the ‘poison’ that strives to close the Web, making it proprietary
- Antitrust investigators and the States (two continents) study this as a possible abuse
- Here you have “Open-Source” (open minus source). It’s not the same thing as Free software.
- The OSP, as we have seen before, is a case against the GPL [1, 2, 3]
- Even Miguel’s recent comments on XAML/Silverlight revealed unsuppressed disappointment
- Microsoft has no plans of delivering Silverlight for GNU/Linux
Adobe/Flash
Another bothersome press release mixes the proprietary Flash framework with “open source code”. Even with Adobe aboard the Linux Foundation as a sponsor it remains unclear how ‘open’ Flash will ever be.
The founders of Influxis and Red5Server announced today the PaperWorld3D source code is now open to the public. PaperWorld, which leverages open source projects PaperVision3D and Red5, allows for rapid creation of MMOG 3D environments deployable over the Adobe Flash Player 9.
There is some more encouraging news however. As the following short article reminds us, open source needs truly open standards.
“It clear that the open source movement has gone far beyond the web page development stage, which is set to revolutionise communication,” he said.
De Wet also said that open protocols were needed for the industry to fully exploit open source software as a service.
Have a look again at this recent article which talks about the relationship between open standards and open source software. Adobe and Microsoft continue their pursuit trying to control the Web with proprietary technologies. The “open source” fluff they throw at the top is nothing but a decoy, an illusion. █
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.