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Microsoft Launches Its Own Open Source Foundation
darthcamaro writes "Microsoft already had its own open source (OSI-approved) licenses, its own open source project hosting site and now it's adding its own non-profit open source foundation.
That's right, the company that is still banging the patent drum against open source now has its own 501(c)(6) open source foundation. Officially called the CodePlex Foundation, it's a separate effort from the CodePlex site and is aimed at helping to get more commercial developers involved in open source. Considering how they continue to attack Linux and open source, will anyone take them seriously?"
From the link "The CodePlex Foundation will complement existing open source foundations and organizations, providing a forum in which best practices and shared understanding can be established by a broad group of participants, both software companies and open source communities."
Seems like a meta-organization for open source entities, under the watchful eye of Redmond.
Floating in the black seas of infinity without a paddle.
They have attacked Linux (or more specifically, Linux distributors) using the FAT long filenames software patent. I would call that an 'attack'; those who are a bit more twitchy about such things also use the word 'attack' for FUD-laden marketing materials and other run-of-the-mill corporate tactics.
-- Ed Avis ed@membled.com
Link
Note that MS tried to keep the auction secret, but apparently someone within AST clued OIN in as to what was happening.
Even though AST claims they are not into litigation, there be demons within.
Codeplex will be no different.
Did you hear the news? Buy a copy of Windows7, and get a discount on new designer sheep clothing.
You are being MICROattacked, from various angles, in a SOFT manner.
Wrong. Microsoft sued first and TomTom responded with a countersuit.
See http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE52J1IE20090320
Cory Doctorow talking about cloud computing makes as much sense as George W Bush talking about electrical engineering.
The way it went was actually this:
1. TomTom warned Microsoft that the latter infringes on TomTom's patents. This isn't the same as suing, but it can only be interpreted as the first step towards doing that. The purpose of notification is to make sure that, as far as law is concerned, the infringing party infringes knowingly; if they don't stop, the penalties grow significantly (3x, if I recall correctly).
2. In response, Microsoft sues TomTom.
3. In response to that suit, TomTom sues Microsoft over the same patents it warned about at step 1.