From: "Rich Gauszka" 


"mike"  wrote in message
news:f1mg435v91j1g24iukspajkfogi1vl326k{at}4ax.com...
> On Mon, 14 May 2007 00:26:02 -0400, "Rich Gauszka"
>  wrote:
>
>>But the way that Microsoft is trying to shore up its business
>>model is shameful and shows just how vulnerable it really is.
>
>
> It's the dying gasp of a dinosaur.
>
>  /m



http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/115329.asp

Microsoft's Horacio] Gutierrez refuses to identify specific patents or
explain how they're being infringed, lest FOSS advocates start filing
challenges to them.

But he does break down the total number allegedly violated - 235 - into
categories. He says that the Linux kernel - the deepest layer of the free
operating system, which interacts most directly with the computer hardware
- violates 42 Microsoft patents. The Linux graphical user interfaces -
essentially, the way design elements like menus and toolbars are set up -
run afoul of another 65, he claims. The Open Office suite of programs,
which is analogous to Microsoft Office, infringes 45 more. E-mail programs
infringe 15, while other assorted FOSS programs allegedly transgress 68.

.....

In response, some people are challenging Microsoft to get more specific.
Writes Larry Augustin: "If Microsoft believes that Free and Open
Source Software violates any of their patents, let them put those patents
forward now, in the light of day, where we can all evaluate them on their
merits. If not, then stop trying to bully customers into paying royalties
to use Open Source. It's time for Microsoft to put up or shut up."

And Groklaw, for one, isn't worried: "In short, I took it that the
Novell deal isn't working out as well as they thought, and maybe customers
aren't clamoring for those vouchers, and it is harder to find customers
than they expected, and now GPLv3 ruined their dreams of wealth from that
sort of a deal, so it's FUD time!"

Dwight Davis, an industry analyst at Ovum Summit, said via phone this
morning that this clearly marks "a major shift in how Microsoft is
dealing with Linux."

He said he doesn't see Microsoft going so far as to sue businesses that use
Linux, many of whom are also its own customers. But the saber-rattling
could cause big companies to look again at the software they use and
calculate their potential exposure. And in the short run, it could be a
boon for Novell, because of Microsoft's covenant under that deal to refrain
from suing companies that use Novell's Suse Linux.

"It's a risky strategy for Microsoft," Davis said. "It
obviously has calculated that the down side it faces is severe enough that
it's worth alienating a lot of open-source developers and a lot of
customers who have

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