Slashdot Mirror


Open Source Not That Open?

mstansberry writes "At the Open Source Business Conference last week, Microsoft's Shared Source mouthpiece Jason Matusow argued the point that open source isn't really open. He said you can't just go changing code on supported Linux offerings without paying extra to companies like Red Hat or Novell. So as Linux is commercialized, it becomes less open. While Matusow made good points during his presentation, many in the open source community are skeptical of the idea at best."

7 of 339 comments (clear)

  1. It all depends... by OSS_ilation · · Score: 5, Funny

    on what your definition of "open" is. Same defense, different Bill.

  2. Finally... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    An objective evaluation from the leader in open source.

    Come on... Microsoft!??!

  3. I'm sold by doxology · · Score: 4, Funny

    It's a Microsoft spokesman saying it, it MUST be true!

    --
    sigfault. core dumped.
  4. in other news by jzeejunk · · Score: 5, Funny

    Microsoft software isn't all that closed. There are always open holes to exploit.

    --
    sarchasm
  5. Re:That is not true by Rei · · Score: 4, Funny

    For a while, I ran Red Hat.

    Why is Bob Young posting as AC? Come on, Bob, show some backbone - we won't be that hard on you!

    --
    "He's a god; it'll take more than one shot." â" Lady Eboshi, Mononoke Hime
  6. Air is not free by truckaxle · · Score: 5, Funny

    Scientist just discovered that air is not completely free! Researchers at Phillips Morris institute have completed a study that calculates the number of millicalories required for each breath of fresh air. This study is demonstrates that the air you breath is not entirely free but requires expenditure of energy and coordination of dozens of different muscles. This study is being release just prior to the companies announcement of a new product that uses a rechargable battery operated turbo-enhanced tobacco injection system.

  7. Re:What? by Mateito · · Score: 4, Funny
    Which just goes to show:
    • Linux is like Darwinian evolution. The code base mutates and the stronger strains survive. Sometimes parts of version cross into another, analogous to natural selection on individual genes.
    • Windows is like Intelligent design. After all, nothing that complicated and intertwined could possibly have evolved by chance.