Slashdot Mirror
Microsoft and LG Electronics Sign Linux Covenant
rs232 wrote with a PC World link discussing another alliance between Microsoft and a vendor via Linux. The vendor this time around is electronics maker LG, and marks the fifth company to license unspecified patents relating to Linux or Linux devices from the OS giant. "'This agreement is focused only on exchange of patent rights,' said David Kaefer, general manager of IP licensing at Microsoft. 'The open-source elements of the deal do utilize a covenant model similar to the Xandros and Novell deals, but this deal is most similar to recent agreements with Samsung and Fuji Xerox.' Those deals were signed this year in April and March, respectively. Both covered general access to intellectual property contained in patent portfolios and included protection for customers using Linux-based software."
[blockquote]WTF is Linuzzz?[/blockquote] And WTF is tha M$ that people use to right about on /.?
It's time to realise that Abble's products are the biggest abomination these days. Just say NO to the dumb iAbble way!!
I think nothing demonstrates better the immaturity and self-importance of the Slashdot Linux Geek than when he quotes and mis-quotes Pastor Niemöller and Gandhi.
I'm surprised you used your Slashdot alias and not Anonymous Coward to post this message, as trolls and flamebaiters usually do the latter.
Sorry, I'm a Linux lover and all, but the sheer volume of crap in your post forces me to respond. I'll take a few choice tidbits:
Microsoft knows that they have peaked in the software industry, and they are desperately seeking a way to continue their unprecedented growth.
Except that it IS precedented by 20 years of.... growth!
We all know it's not going to happen; most of Microsoft's hardware products (aside from keyboards, joysticks, and mice) have been duds in the marketplace.
Eh, like the XBox? An "I'm feeling lucky" searching for "XBOX sales wii" returns this website - and even if the sales figures are a few months old, they're nothing to shake a stick at.
They tried search engines and failed miserably, even though the MSIE default page was MSN.
I have a tough time calling the 4th most popular website in the United States a "miserable failure". No, they aren't FIRST, but that's a long way from some of the worst.
I think the Novell deal is something different though. I think that they want to focus more on services and become a solutions provider like IBM did, so that way no matter WHAT the techology choice is, Microsoft still get at least a slice of the pie, and then other forces at Microsoft who are desperate to maintain their positions and power at Microsoft are using this development to spread anti-Linux FUD.
Wow! Something insightful! No, not really. It's been industry mantra for at least 5-10 years: "SERVICES! SERVICES! SERVICES!". They're a tad late to the game, but they certainly aren't going the way of DEC.
Everything above may be totally off base, but really, I do think that these moves are out of desperation because they see the strength of their stock eroding very quickly.
Hmmm. Up by almost 50% in the last year. Yep. Definite erosion. They're probably getting ready to jump out of the window.
Your post is actually very reminiscent of another post I've seen from time to time here on slashdork. It usually starts like this: "It is official; Netcraft now confirms: *BSD is dying..."
I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.