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Microsoft FAT Licensing Plan - No Big Deal?

Posted by simoniker on from the slimming-look dept.

prostoalex writes "InternetNews.com describes the reaction to Microsoft's decision on FAT licensing. It doesn't look like the company is expecting to make any significant money out of licenses (there's also a cap of $250K, so none of the big guys will have to pay millions to Microsoft). It also doesn't look like Linux companies are stressed over this decision. "We are only accessing FAT32 file systems, not using them. This licensing program is of little interest to SuSE", a Novell/SuSE spokesperson said."

10 of 235 comments (clear)

  1. $250k caps - that's chump change by very · · Score: 1, Funny

    $250,000 is chump change to Microsoft.

    So why bother asking companies to pay for the licensing fees.

    Even if the fees totaled to $100 millions, it's still relatively chump change to Microsoft.

    One could wonder if they would use the money for Bill Gates' haircut funds.

  2. Re:This isn't about patents... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    They heard that if they didn't protect it Darl was going to claim it.

  3. The only one getting FAT... by patricksevenlee · · Score: 3, Funny
    ...is Bill Gates.

    http://edition.cnn.com/2001/TECH/ptech/02/13/windo ws.xp/story.gates.jpg

    http://www.pckurier.pl/archiwum/artykuly/wilczek_t adeusz/2001_02_6/gates.jpg

  4. Portly64 by CmdrTostado · · Score: 3, Funny

    I am offering a direct replacement for FAT32. Fat is so .. demeaning and 32 is so .. yesterday. I am liscensing Portly64 to anyone who needs a break from the 1/4 million M$ fees, only 1/8 million.

  5. Re:Errr....will it affect Freedos? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    They will need to change their name to the Doreedos project (with Nacho Cheese!)

  6. I love the wording! by wackybrit · · Score: 4, Funny

    We are only accessing FAT32 file systems, not using them.

    I'll remember that one when the RIAA come around. "I'm only accessing thousands of MP3s, not using them, so I'm off totally scot-free!"

    --
    mogorific carpentry experiments
  7. Re:Lets clear away some myths and FUD by NanoGator · · Score: 5, Funny

    "And thats all this is about. Really, honestly, a non-issue."

    Yeah.. well. still, I'm sharpening my pitchfork anyway.

    --
    "Derp de derp."
  8. Time to go on a diet by gooman · · Score: 3, Funny

    M$ Marketing person reads in the morning paper that America is becoming increasingly obese.
    While walking through the cafeteria, same person overhears two engineers comment about M$ owning a patent on FAT.
    Light bulb goes off in the dim-witted marketing persons head - Cha-ching!

    Of course, Linux companies aren't worried about it.
    It's us overweight users and coders that should be afraid!

    Let's see, after I make out my $699 check for SCO, I have to send how much to Bill & Co?

    My mom always told me I was just big boned. I guess I'm just boned. Again.

    --
    "Kittens give Morbo gas!"
  9. Why Microsoft is doing this by tomstdenis · · Score: 4, Funny

    IANAABIDUG [I am not an artist but I do use Gimp]

    http://iahu.ca:8080/finished.png ;-)

    Merry Holidays!

    Tom

    --
    Someday, I'll have a real sig.
  10. FAT Licensing?? Does this mean M$ is going down? by nathan+s · · Score: 1, Funny

    Seems like Microsoft is adopting SCO's tactics now. They must be getting really desperate!

    1. Find a large group of people [America's obese]
    2. Charge a license for something they have no ownership over [the fat!]
    3. Profit! $$$$$$

    Okay, I know it's cheesy but I couldn't resist.;-)

    --
    picpix image polls. create - share - vote. fun!