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Microsoft's New Permissive License Meets Opposition

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the many-years-of-animosity dept.

seven7h writes "Linux.com currently has an interesting story regarding Microsoft's new Permissive License, which they are currently trying to get certified by the OSI (Open Source Initiative). What I find interesting is not just that this has received a lot of criticism and opposition, but that one of the key opponents is Chris DiBona, open source programs manager for Google, Inc. Microsoft's strategies of creating open source like programs (ie Shared Source) has been called into question and whether the open source industry should become associated with Microsoft. This looks like it may be something to watch as it could allow Microsoft a foot in the door into Linux/Open Source, or define a line between Linux/Open Source and Microsoft."

7 of 195 comments (clear)

  1. Why is it interesting? by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 4, Funny

    Why is it interesting that a google employee opposes something Microsoft does?
    I mean, those aren't exactly love seats being thrown out of Microsoft's office windows.

    --
    liqbase :: faster than paper
  2. Better wording maybe? by tgatliff · · Score: 3, Funny

    Who the heck came up with the "permissive" license.. It just sounds so dirty.... I mean do I need to wear protection with this license?? Wait a minute... I think I know that answer to that one... :-)

    1. Re:Better wording maybe? by Opportunist · · Score: 3, Funny

      Now c'mon, after all those years everyone should know that you need all the protection you can get when you use MS software.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    2. Re:Better wording maybe? by Compholio · · Score: 3, Funny

      I mean do I need to wear protection with this license?? Wait a minute... I think I know that answer to that one... :-)
      Yes, most assuredly - Microsoft Software is the main source of ITDs (Internet Transmitted Diseases) and STPs (Software Transmitted Patents).
  3. Re:Microsoft already has a foot in the door to Lin by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    because any time Microsoft even tries to do anything even reasonably associated with open source, the OSS community shits itself and starts with all the Admiral Ackbar "it's a trap" crap. They don't even get a chance.

    Well, when the guy with the hammer keeps hitting you in the head instead of fixing the hole in the roof, the next time he shows up you start thinking about calling the cops, even if this time he's carrying some nice roofing tiles.

  4. Re:Microsoft already has a foot in the door to Lin by JohnFluxx · · Score: 3, Funny

    Poor Microsoft. They try so hard to fit in. They make three licenses, two of which contain a clause saying that you can only run them on MS Windows, and for some reason they aren't embraced into the community!

  5. Re:Google's opinion on open source matters why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    "All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?"

    Summer of Code
    Google APIs
    Project hosting