Microsoft and Apache - What's the Angle?

A week ago, we discussed Microsoft's contribution to the Apache Foundation. Now, Bruce Perens has written an analysis "exploring the new relationship of Microsoft and the Apache project, how it works as an anti-Linux move on Microsoft's part, and what some of the Open Sourcers are going to do about having Microsoft as a rather untrustworthy partner." In particular, he notes: "...Microsoft can still influence how things go from here on. If they have to live with open source, the Apache project is Microsoft's preferred direction. Apache doesn't use the dreaded GPL and its enforced sharing of source-code. Instead, the Apache license is practically a no-strings gift, with a weak provision against patent lawsuits as its most relevant term. Microsoft can take Apache software and embrace and enhance, providing their own versions of the project's software with engineered incompatibility and no available source, just as they forced incompatibility into the Web by installing IE with every Windows upgrade."

Comments

Re:It's the DRM Stupid!

[Blakey Rat]

Sorry for replying to myself, but I'm all riled up by this now.

Tell you what, prove it to me!

I have a Dell Inspiron 530 with Vista Ultimate right here in front of me. Bog-standard OS install, direct from Microsoft's retail Vista Ultimate DVD, 32-bit edition. I got iTunes on it, I got Zune on it, VLC, I got MP3s, I got MP4s, I got DVDs, I got CDs. Dual monitors.

I got a tablet/laptop with Vista Home Premium, HP tx1000 laptop installed with the Vista DVD that came with the Dell originally. I got Firewire cables, ethernet cables, wifi, DSL Internet. I got a stopwatch, if the mysterious DRM consists only of performance impacts. I got an Xbox 360 (but remember, we're debating DRM in Vista here.)

Prove it to me. Show me the DRM. Reply with specific, detailed reproduction instructions, as if you were filing a bug against Vista. Let's end this goddamned urban legend once and for all.