South African Minister Locks Horns With Microsoft

naheiw writes "The South African minister of public service and administration on Monday addressed the opening of the Idlelo 3 free software conference in Dakar, Senegal, saying that software patents posed a considerable threat to the growth of the African software sector (video). Microsoft responded aggressively, saying that 'there is no such thing as free software. Nobody develops software for charity.'"

Comments

freshmeat.net? sourceforge anybody?

[Anonymous Coward]

are they smoking micro-crack again?

You damned dirty liar!

[hassanchop]

Nobody develops software for charity.

Quick, someone tell these people they don't exist!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OLPC_XO-1#Software

Re:Technically true though

[spun]

Microsoft, in spite if its using the word to death, is simply too large and complex to innovate. Ah, but you see, they've developed a program to help with that.

"It looks like you are trying to innovate! Maybe I can help you
A.) Wade through mountains of bureaucratic paperwork.
B.) Convince your technically conservative superiors of the merits of your plans.
C.) Steal someone else's idea and market it better.

You've chosen to steal someone else's idea. Good choice!"

Yes folks, it's Clippy's bigger brother, Hangy the wire coat hanger. He helps you abort innovation before it causes real problems AND put the new cover on your TPS reports!