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HP Memo Predicts MS Patent Attacks on Open Source

Posted by timothy on from the what-might-have-been-and-still-might-be dept.

Roblimo writes "A two-year-old internal HP memo has just surfaced that talks about how 'Microsoft could attack Open Source Software for patent infringements against OEMs, Linux distributors, and least likely open source developers. They are specifically upset about Samba, Apache and Sendmail.' NewsForge has the story, including the memo's full text, a response from Eben Moglen (who says the memo's author misinterprets part of the GPL), and a statement from HP saying they love open source, really they do, even though 'Microsoft continues to be one of HP's strongest partners.'"

6 of 330 comments (clear)

  1. more than just patent filing by burnin1965 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    MS is doing alot more than just filing patents. They are making other preparations as well. The SCO suit was just a litmus test.

    burnin

  2. Re:so that would explain by tech_guru5182 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I remember having this functionality on win3.11 with extra software that was installed by hp.

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  3. Here is your action statement... by burnin1965 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    MS hires their IP task master

    In case you don't get it let me help, Phelps is not interested in protecting MS from submarine patents. He intends to assist MS in smashing any competition be they open source or proprietary.

    burnin

  4. Re:What about IBM? by bogie · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ". That memo stated that MS could target HP, Intel and other "partners". It must really suck to be an MS "partner". You do what they tell you and you can have some of the extra cash that falls down. Step out of line once and you can be squashed."

    Yep and its doesn't matter how big you are. As big as Intel was they had to back down when Microsoft threatened them.
    http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,1 4658,00 .html

    Then again what company didn't Microsoft threaten in the 90's?

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  5. IBM, Apple and Novell by iamacat · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Have some choice patents waiting if Microsoft interferes with their ability to use open source. It doesn't matter if MS has more, just one of the other guy's patents will stick and cover some major aspect of Windows MS can't easily work around. Look how much trouble browser plugins patent caused. Like titlebar on windows or something. It would be nicer if software patents were outlawed, just like patents on mathematic formulas. But in the meantime, guaranteed mutual destruction counts for something.

  6. Factoring this into the equation by oob · · Score: 4, Interesting

    On behalf of my employer, I'm preparing a matrix to compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of the hardware vendors that have tendered a quote for my project.

    While this internal HP memo is not the only factor leading to this, I included the following statement to the notes area of the section concerning Hewlett Packard;

    Commitment to our platform of choice is questionable

    Given that my employer places an emphasis on vendor support, I expect that statement to weigh heavily against HP in our deliberations.

    There are many vendors of commodity hardware and the differentiator for many organisations is the level of support. I think HP has raised reasonable doubts about their level of commitment to support for a platform that is increasingly prevalent in the industry and that will cost them business.