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Does Microsoft Have the Best App Store For Open Source Developers?

Posted by timothy on from the so-how-does-that-beat-android? dept.

WebMink writes "Microsoft seems to have been in combat against the GNU GPL throughout the history of free and open source software. But that may be changing. They have recently updated the terms of use for software developers in their Windows Phone app store to allow any OSI-approved open source license — even the GPL. They include extraordinarily broad language that gives the open source license priority over their own license terms, saying: 'If your Application or In-App Product includes FOSS, your license terms may conflict with the limitations set forth in Section 3 of the Standard Application License Terms, but only to the extent required by the FOSS that you use.' Could it be that the most open source friendly app stores will be the ones run my Microsoft?"

5 of 339 comments (clear)

  1. Re:No by DogDude · · Score: -1, Troll

    Or a strangehold monopoly on an entire market. That helps too.

    I'm sure that'd help if it were true, sure. I don't think what you're saying applies in this particular situation, though.

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    I don't respond to AC's.
  2. CONGRATULATIONS! by ctid · · Score: -1, Troll

    1) Windows 7 is arguably the best desktop OS out there right now for the vast majority of the public. Even many of the Apple fans I know, myself included, have been forced to concede that Windows 7 is better than OS X in many ways.

    Your "arguably" is an early contender for "Understatement of the Year (2013)". You must be very proud.

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    Reality is defined by the maddest person in the room
  3. Re:so they can steal your code by Barsteward · · Score: 0, Troll

    "Stealing implies that you don't keep your copy. You still do." is that the same for downloading music?

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    "The hands that help are better far than lips that pray." - Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899)
  4. Re:ADVERTISMENT by Runaway1956 · · Score: 0, Troll

    In half a year, things may actually look rosy to the people who jump on the bandwagon. I say, let's ask again in about three, or five years. Sometimes, it takes time for an evil plan to come to fruition.

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    "Windows is like the faint smell of piss in a subway: it's there, and there's nothing you can do about it." - Charlie Br
  5. Re:Microsoft and Open Source don't mix by RedHat+Rocky · · Score: -1, Troll

    Yes, I'm sure one day talking about Hitler will be "old fogie".

    No, Microsoft is not as bad as that genocide piece of crap.

    BUT, M$ certainly killed many a company and not with legal business practices.

    You want to deal with their crap, have fun. But don't paint it pink and put bows on it.

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    Anything is possible given time and money.