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Microsoft Introduces IM Licensing
prostoalex writes "The MSN Messenger ban of outside clients and cited security issues might be explained by yet another Microsoft move. The company's Internet unit, MSN, contacted third-party providers like Trillian and Odigo with a suggestion to buy access licenses. From the ZDNet article: 'Running an (IM) network is expensive,' said Lisa Gurry, group product manager for MSN at Microsoft. 'We can't sustain multiple other people's businesses, particularly if they charge for certain versions of their software. We're introducing licensing processes for third parties like Trillian.'"
MS has enough money to sustain most third world countries. Let alone a few measly chat servers. Then again they probably have to pay for Unix licenses to keep the servers running...
I for one am glad Microsoft have finally identified the gaping security hole in that otherwise fine operating system that causes all these worms and insecurity on the Internet. Today is a great day for Windows users, for they are finally safe from all the Internet hackers once and for all.
I doubt that MSN messenger's ease of install will be beaten- it's preinstalled by default in Windows XP home.
Clearly, all instant messaging programs are derivative works of the 'talk' command included in System V Unix, which is owned by the SCO Group. Therefore, effective immediately, all users of such programs must pay a $699 per CPU fee for each machine they use such a program on, in order to avoid legal action over their continued use of infringing code, to the SCO Group. Additionally, SCO is suing Microsoft over breach of its recently-signed contract to use the System V code, for its clear transfer of IP from 'talk' to their instant messenger product.
Lucky, that people like Vint Cerf don't say "you are using our protocol, you must therefore use our software".
Have you ever tried with lynx? So? you see the point now?
May I use your sig please?
I think I'd pay extra to read Slashdot with all the analogies filtered out.
But that would be like a baseball game without crackerjacks ;)
Jason
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