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Microsoft Eases "Shared Source" Restrictions

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the wincing-at-embedded-systems dept.

An anonymous reader writes "In an effort to help device makers differentiate their products and compete more vigorously with Linux, Microsoft is eliminating major restrictions on the use of its "shared source" license for the Windows CE operating system. The change, which accompanies the impending full release of Windows CE 5.0, will counter competition from Linux and is likely to expand Microsoft's slice of the roughly $1B embedded OS market pie. Specifically, the new version of the Win CE Shared Source license will, for the first time, enable developers anywhere in the world to include modified Windows CE code within commercial products without having to sublicense the modifications back to Microsoft. Interestingly, the revised Shared Source terms are reminiscent of the BSD open source license, which permits the development of proprietary derivatives that need not be shared with the community, in contrast to the GPL, which obligates developers to make their modifications available to the public."

4 of 252 comments (clear)

  1. It's All Sun's Fault by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    The slashbots were right all along. Sun was a very early proponent of BSD and now look what's happening: Microsoft (late to the party as usual) is "innovating" a new BSD-style license. I blame Sun. If they hadn't backed BSD in the first place, none of this sorry mess would have happened.

  2. Free crack! Get your free crack here!!! by BigChigger · · Score: 0, Troll

    If you think this is a permanent change in MS behaviour, I have a swamp to sell you. As soon as they get any significant advantage in that market, they'll change back to screwing their customers. MS WILL NOT CHANGE THEIR BEHAVIOUR.

    BC

  3. Gibson Audio by Alsee · · Score: 0, Troll

    Phil Usatine, Chief Architect and VP of Technology Development for Gibson Audio says: "We've also seen incredible value in the Windows CE core license as it enables us to use advanced technologies like Windows Media codecs and digital rights management to provide our customers with an amazing music entertainment experience."

    Thanx for the heads up!

    Now I know to avoid all Gibson Audio products. I for one have no interest in the "amazing experience" provided by DRM crippled crap.

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    - - You can't take something off the Internet! That's like trying to take pee out of a swimming pool.
  4. Yes but keep in mind by OeLeWaPpErKe · · Score: 0, Troll

    That this is a trap. The second enough people buy in to this there will be a "security update" making the fees $50/minute per customer and removing all hope of ever asserting your own copyrights.

    I don't think linux is threatened by this. Then again, I'm counting on basic intelligence on the part of mangers...