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Microsoft Expands Access to Windows Source Code

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the source-code-i-don't-wanna-see dept.

Brain Stew writes "According to eWeek, MVPs living within thecountries that have signed up with Microsoft's Windows Source code program can now see it for free (limited source code of course). 'Microsoft Corp. has expanded the Source Licensing Program under which its Most Valued Professionals get access to the source code for the Windows operating system. The Redmond, Wash., company said on Monday that all the MVPs within the Microsoft platforms community and living within the 27 eligible countries worldwide will now be able to access Windows source code at no cost. '"

6 of 282 comments (clear)

  1. Shared source will not work for MS by Bold+Marauder · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It's pretty clear in my mind that by handing select portions of the source code to "most valuble professionals" that microsoft merely wants to go through the motions of open source, while not being open at all.

    And, certainly, this is their right, since it is their source code. However, I don't see many people outside of their "MVP" community (which is who? people stuck working on windows device drivers?) really being interested in doing their busy work for them. And for this reason, because of being unwilling to fully relinquish control, they are going to find themselves unable to fully benefit from openness.

    In contrast, IBM fully understands what open source is all about, and manages to deal with the concept in an intelligent manner, instead of trying to make compromises and deal with half measures.

    If open source manages to become a signifigant methodology in tomorrow's IT world, IBM seems better equipped to benefit from it, whereas Microsoft is unwilling to do what it takes to prevent sliding off into irrelevence.

    1. Re:Shared source will not work for MS by t1m0r4n · · Score: 5, Insightful

      In contrast, IBM fully understands what open source is all about, and manages to deal with the concept in an intelligent manner, instead of trying to make compromises and deal with half measures.

      I agree with the idea that MSFT allowing those deemed "MVP" worthy to view the source code is meaningless. But I doubt IBM understands open source. They are selling open source stuff because they make money doing so. If it conflicts with their other software, they will push closed source. And they will push it hard to the detriment of open source. Anybody have the link handy for the statements from HP? HP is trying to sell linux servers to existing IBM AIX customers, and IBM is alleged to bad mouth linux something fierce. While I can't back the claims of HP, I see no reason to believe that IBM is a saint of open source. When IBM goes 100% GPL, then I will trust them. The partial backing of IBM is a GoodThing, but I don't think the people of importance at IBM really "understand" open source.

      Insert some random badmouthing of MSFT backed by personal experience.

  2. Re:meh? by ultrabot · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Yeah i still have the source code released a while ago in a nice little zip in my emule shared folder.

    In that case, you might want to unshare it ASAP. You do realize that your IP can be trivially discovered when you have emule on?

    It should be emphasized that having the windows source is much more damaging than beneficial. People are contaminated merely by seeing the source. If you want to learn stuff, there is enough OSS operating systems around that won't make you unemployable if you really catch the kernel bug, or MSFT just finds a good reason to ruin your future.

    Just stick to pr0n, music and other binaries.

    --
    Save your wrists today - switch to Dvorak
  3. forget open source by Dishwasha · · Score: 4, Insightful

    how about Microsoft try open standards first.

  4. Re:At no cost? by iamacat · · Score: 4, Insightful

    There have been instances of former Microsoft employees securing another gainful engagement. One prominant one have even sent a private ship to space recently, without any complaint that he infringed on an XP desktop theme.

    Microsoft was accused of stealing Altavista code lately. They are still hiring people with existing industry experience.

  5. IBM, like Apple, understand open source ... by AHumbleOpinion · · Score: 4, Insightful

    In contrast, IBM fully understands what open source is all about ...

    IBM, like Apple, understands open source. It is a vehicle to sell their hardware. In contrast, Microsoft is a software company.