LXer: The Microsoft FUD Campaign vs. the Customer

LXer · 05-17-2007, 03:01 AM

Published at LXer:

Almost everything that can be said has been said about the latest moves by Microsoft to create Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD) about Linux. Countless pundits and analysts have pointed out that Microsoft threats are toothless. Some have noted that Microsoft has singled out Linux and OpenOffice, the biggest threats to its monopoly on operating systems and office suites. Surely Microsoft could claim that the *BSDs infringe on similar patents if not the same ones. But the *BSDs do not pose as great a threat to the company. Others have pointed out that Microsoft would be insane to pull an SCO and sue its own customers. Still others have noted that IBM and/or OIN could respond to a patent war with a massive retaliation in patent infringement claims.

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rickh · 05-17-2007, 07:00 AM

The article is redundant for the most part. Same info and thought processes that have been repeated dozens of times the last few days. This final comment is what I want to see more of.

Quote:

One final comment: I have been a strong critic of GPLv3 and also of the Microsoft-Novell deal. Now that the two issues intersect, however, I find that I must (at least tentatively, since the license is not finalized) reverse my position on the GPLv3. If the GPLv3 does not prohibit the freedom to use Linux and other FOSS in devices like TiVo simply because TiVo is handcuffed by the DMCA, and GPLv3 truely does throw a monkey wrench into Microsoft's plans to monetize Linux via patent deals in an effort to compete with Linux, then I am all for the GPLv3. Bring it on, and let's use it wherever appropriate and possible.

GPL3 puts mighty fear into the hearts of those who have an interest in monetizing Linux. Even Linus is not immune to it.)

One other comment from the article I found quoteable; An early goal of Redhat was to "turn a 10 billion dollar industry into a 10 million dollar one."