Assume, for a moment, the licensing problems can be satisfactorily resolved (whatever that means).
Then, for opening the source to work, it would be necessary to open all current and future Windows source. And, further, future source would have to be released on a timely enough basis that MS apps couldn't derive a significant advantage in using any new APIs. Note that it is not necessary to have "secret" APIs. It is enough to have exclusive early access to them.
Even given that MS would put forth a "good faith" effort, implementation would be a nightmare for all involved and oversight an even bigger one.
It therefore seems to me that a structural remedy (at a minmum of breaking up MS into an OS company and an applications company), is the best (and simplest) action to take.
Personally, given the power, I would also invoke HUGE penalties against the company and consider jail time for some of the people who were (ahem) less than forthcoming in the hearings...even those on videotape.
Slashdot Mirror
interestingly enough there is a texas lawyer who calls himself "the texas hammer". bonus points for guessing his specialty.
It's going to cost Slashdot their user base as more people refuse to put up with this nonsense. Dice is ruining its own investment.
You can't polish a turd.
of course you can. and then you have a shiny turd.
Assume, for a moment, the licensing problems can be satisfactorily resolved (whatever that means).
Then, for opening the source to work, it would be necessary to open all current and future Windows source. And, further, future source would have to be released on a timely enough basis that MS apps couldn't derive a significant advantage in using any new APIs. Note that it is not necessary to have "secret" APIs. It is enough to have exclusive early access to them.
Even given that MS would put forth a "good faith" effort, implementation would be a nightmare for all involved and oversight an even bigger one.
It therefore seems to me that a structural remedy (at a minmum of breaking up MS into an OS company and an applications company), is the best (and simplest) action to take.
Personally, given the power, I would also invoke HUGE penalties against the company and consider jail time for some of the people who were (ahem) less than forthcoming in the hearings...even those on videotape.