May 07 28
Microsoft: All huff and no puff
Posted by Scott Mckenzie @ 9:17 3 comments
What game is Microsoft playing? First the software maker throws down the gauntlet to open source claiming it infringed on 235 of its patents.
Then a week later (a less aggressive) Microsoft says it's OK we're not going to sue for the violation of our intellectual property rights.
I'm sure there was a collective sigh of relief from open-source vendors and corporate customers. As yet, no-one from the open-source community or end-user's have asked for that in writing. Maybe they should.
And the change of heart? Apparently Microsoft wanted to give "peace of mind" to customers worried about patent litigation.
However, the issue may not be so much peace of mind, but encouragement to use software that Microsoft has given the thumbs up to, such as that from Novell whom it signed a deal with late last year.
What else can be read into this: "We conducted research into the best way to give customers peace of mind. For patent violation we give unlimited indemnification to customers (using Novell)," Microsoft's Nick McGrath told ZDNet UK.
The question is: will Microsoft's implied threat tactics backfire on them?
What do you think? Has Microsoft's infringement allegations made any difference to the way you think about your software? Talkback below or e-mail me at edit@zdnet.com.au.
It's all been said before......it's a cheap attempt by Microsoft to sway weak-willed CIO's and customers away from alternatives to their overpriced, restrictive offerings.
Of course it all ended up as hot air. If there REALLY was any infringing Linux code then it would be identified and removed and bingo..the problem goes away. Microsoft couldn't have that as they wouldn't have a bogey-man to scare the children with anymore.
If Microsoft actually did kick off legal proceedings they would also be committing suicide as Sun, Apple, Oracle, Redhat, IBM et al. all also own IP that Microsoft potentially infringes, so they'd unleash the attack lawyers and the software equivalent of Mutually Assured Destruction would commence.
This is just a scare campaign with no substance, amply shown as Microsoft have backed down when told to "put up or shut up".
Move along, nothing to see here.