MS Settlement: Six States (And Samba) Say "Stop!"

Masem writes "The BBC is reporting that because 6 states have refused to agree to the settlement between Microsoft and the DOJ, Microsoft is conceeding that a settlement adjustment will not be possible, opening the door for Judge Kollar-Kotelly to begin rapid remedy hearings. There is a slim chance that negotiations might happen before the end of business today (Tuesday) that will allow the settlement to go after several refinements over the last few nights, but few expect any success. While Judge Kollar-Kotelly is promising to resolve the issue as fast as possible, legal experts are projecting a drawn out battle, with the additional time no longer on Microsoft's side. No word on which states were on which side, beyond MA being very much against the settlement and IL being for it." Besides the states, the Samba team has its own objections, below.

Jeremy Allison and Andrew Tridgell of the Samba team have posted a brief analysis of what the current settlement proposal would mean to that project. (Thanks, jdfox.) Considering that Samba is one of the most important links between open and closed software, it's worth mulling over.

Comments

Interoperability may be in MS best interest

[TechnoLust]

Microsoft's biggest selling point in the past has been that it was the de facto standard on the desktop. As a sysadmin, I'm glad that Windows has a standard look and feel, because many of my older users didn't grow up with computers and have a hard time working with them anyway. However, as a geek, I see that there is definately a place for Linux, both at home and in the workplace. Despite what Microsoft says, Linux is becoming a player in the desktop and server game, albeit slowly (for now). As Linux gains "market share," interoperability, and open standards will be more important than ever. Many people will have several different platforms. If MS refuses to "play well with others," they may lose some customers. MS boxes will be with us for a while, but working with the guys from Samba may prolong their lifespan.

Re:Protests

[NutscrapeSucks]

Some penalties I'd like to see:

These type of posts bother me because they are completely irrelevant to what is going on. Maybe a year or two ago when Microsoft was losing badly and the sky was the limit, but now it's just a crack pipe dream.

It's 11th hour right now, and the anti-MS forces have been backed in the corner by the DOJ*. The final outcome will be along the lines of what's currently on the table, maybe with less trickly loopholes. There will be no open DOC format (never on the table to begin with), no breakup or divestment, and no fine.

And, yes, that sucks, but pretending that a fair settlement is possible now is a community delusion. It's just not going to happen.

* Note that the Clinton DOJ would have settled this, but Microsoft absolutely refused. We got this point because they are stubbern bastards, not because the government was shooting for the fair deal.

samba's support quite a relief

[Trepidity]

Oh good, I was afraid only some measly states' attorneys general were against it. But to know that we have Samba on our side...