SQL Server Developers Face Huge Royalties

superpat writes "The Register reports that Microsoft licensed SQL Server technology from Timeline. Trouble is, they didn't license the tech for use by MS customers... After 3 1/2 years in the courts, the final judgement rules that MS SQL Server customers must pay Timeline patent royalties. The argument that Microsoft said it was OK is no defence, apparently." News.com.com.com has another story.

Comments

Whoo.

[bigfleet]

Time for Microsoft to step up to the plate. Why would you think that you had to read a EULA if they can get away with this kind of $hit?

query...

[ptaff]

SELECT max(money)
FROM ms.customers
WHERE ms.cant_read_EULAs
AND ms.really_wants_to_lose_market
HAVING Slammer;

cost of ownership?

[bracher]

so, how do the cost of ownership comparisons look now? ;-)

Announcing Microsoft DataBOB

[scoove]

Dear Microsoft SQL Server Customer:

On February 20 2003, Microsoft entered into a settlement agreement with Timeline Inc. regarding certain intellectual properties of Timeline and licensing matters associated with Microsoft's use of Timeline technology in its SQL Server system.

Pursuant to the collective agreement between Microsoft and Timeline, Microsoft recognizes that while it had purchased a right to use the Timeline technologies in its SQL Server system, end-users of the respective technology were not licensed to do so, and would be liable for the purchase of such licensed use directly with Timeline Inc.

In order to provide our customers with a cost-effective alternative to licensing of Timeline Inc technology, Microsoft is pleased to announce that it is making its powerful, internally developed database technology available for immediate download. This product, Microsoft DataBOB, includes:

- a powerful database capable of listing your favorite contacts
- a GUI administration console that can be learned in minutes by your developers and follows a unique interface concept
- helpful wizards and assistants that make use of DataBOB possible by even clerical employees

We're confident you'll find DataBOB not only very useful, but will recognize its value in reducing your information technology costs as even the most novice computer users will find DataBOB simple and straight forward in application.

In order to obtain your license, see an authorized DataBob distributor today.

Re:WRONG

[Reziac]

Coding team of the future:

13 lawyers (8 of 'em specialists in patent and copyright law)
27 managers
63 marketing analysts
9 outsourcing contracts, paid in advance
1 programmer (optional)

(No, I *didn't* forget the testing and QA guys :)