I just did a search back through 1999 on different articles regarding Caldera, SCO, Linux, etc.
It gave a very very interesting broad "picture" so to speak, regarding the mess SCO is trying to cook up here.
This last shot at the GPL, is actually in line with some of the articles and comments back from a couple years ago, and progressing to now.
It would be kind of neat to see a Slashdot article on the "history" of Caldera/SCO and Linux as it played out here on Slashdot.
But then again, maybe I am just a glutton for punishment, but still would like to see such a thing, summaries of important points, quotes, time line, things of that nature. And of course, the comments from other people here regarding the article would be an added bonus.:)
Look, the real color of their skin was "anti-Linux and anti-Open Source" almost from the beginning.
You look at their actions as far as the lawsuit, then their "words" explaining what they were doing, then watch their PR statements and interviews from that point to now.
Regards,
Fredrick
Issuing an "invoice" is not a sale.
A "sale" is made when the parties agree about the terms of the sale, a "contract" if you will, with money and goods/services exchanging hands.
First, these are not SCO's customers, no contract, even verbal, has been established, therefore "no sale".
And, the "goods/services" are not even SCO's to sell, from my view, they don't even own them. So, no "good/services" to exchange.
This is fraud.
If SCO then tries to count these as "accounts receivable" and sics collection agencies on their "customers", watch the lawsuits start piling up.
Regards,
Fredrick
Let me see, SCO distributes Linux under GPL for how many years?
IBM counter-sues saying that SCO has violated the GPL.
SCO then claims that the GPL is invalid?
That's too funny. SCO knows they do not have a leg to stand on in regards to the GPL. They obviously saw that they cannot claim "we didn't ever intend to release the code as GPL'd code", based on their relatively long history of distribution.
Additionally, the code they are complaining about, is not even their code (despite their rantings).
So, in affect, SCO is saying the GPL applies to us when we want it to, or not, but it doesn't apply to others because we say so (in reference to IBM's release of code under the GPL).
SCO needs a new "SCOzo the Clown" corporate logo, with SCO's corporate color scheme and a big bullseye on its rear end with a sign taped to its back, just above the bullseye saying "IBM, kick me here, hard!"
Regards,
Fredrick
At the bottom of their "SCO puts IBM on double secret probation" press release, some numbers are given:
"The SCO Group (Nasdaq: SCOX) helps millions of customers in more than 82 countries to grow their businesses everyday. Headquartered in Lindon, Utah, SCO has a worldwide network of more than 11,000 resellers and 4,000 developers."
I bet a new survey of countries, resellers and developers (a true survey), would show something like:
2 countries.
0 resellers.
2 developers.
5 lawyers.
But we count all Linux distributions, resellers and developers as "ours" also, because we say so, so there! So the numbers are much higher!
Regards,
Fredrick
---------
I still like the
"SCOzo the Clown"
idea....
Yeah, it's like:
At first...
SCO: You, your customers, their familes, dogs, relatives of any sort, friends, political representatives and their mistresses, etc., can no longer use software that we own....
And now...
SCO: Well, sorry (cringes), I meant that only you can't do anything with software we own, even though we don't really own it. And we really mean it this time, you are in big trouble mister! (Places hands on hips and glares threateningly.)
SCO's antics are at least entertaining, make me laugh. They should get a new mascot "SCOzo the Clown". The mock up of Darl as Ronald McDonald could be a start, using SCO's corporate colors, cept with a big red and white bullseye target on his butt with a sign on his back saying "Kick me!"
Regards,
Fredrick
"The SCO Group helps millions of customers in more than 82 countries to grow their businesses everyday"
Uh, are they now counting all of the "Linux" and other operating systems that now supposedly contain their "IP"?
I bet if they gave the real numbers, it would be like this:
Black Sonostag of The SCO Group commented "The SCO Group extorts money from 1 to maybe 3 customers, but that doesn't include the sweet deal we got from Microsoft... oops, did I say that out loud?"
Regards,
Fredrick
So, after its all said and done, and SCO is found to be full of the crap that is spewing from their mouth, how many of their new "Licensees" will be lining up requesting a refund for the "license" for "absolutely nothing at all"?
The sad part is, once RedHat and IBM are done with SCO, there won't be enough of SCO left for even roaches to snack on.
Then you need to reign in the company that sells your product.
Sales/marketing making promises that your software cannot do or will do or could do in the future, will eventually kill your business.
The sales force should learn and understand that software they are selling very very well, and harsh penalties for then promising a customer something that does not exist in the current software.
Also, no promises of "future features" should ever be uttered by salesmen. The tech area needs to work with salesmen so they are coordinated, but the tech guys handle the tech area, and the sales area only sells WHAT THE COMPANY CAN DELIVER, right now, in the hand, that's it.
I have worked on both sides of the fence, was the main salesman and first line of tech support at my company in the late 1980's. You learn the hard way having a foot in both areas how sales and tech should work together. If done properly, things go well. If sales (or tech) promises what cannot be delivered, right now, that customer will come back to haunt you. And every other customer you failed to deliver what they were promised.
I have been working in the computer field for over 20 years.
The majority of my duties have been to test software.
At least, for my company, testing is a three or four fold. Starts with the programmer, testing each function and then the different sections of code working together, then the over all program.
These are then tested and verified as having been properly programmed and tested by the programmer (or programmers).
Beta testing is then done with some key customers.
Finally, a large number of tests are done to certify the program in all its operations by our quality assurance department.
All the above is done, without exception, on every single program we work on and release. (We handle specialized CAD software). Delivering what we promise to our customers and the quality of those products are of the utmost importance to our company, and our internal policies reflect that as well.
So, again, it greatly depends on the company you are dealing with. I for one hate running into obvious bugs in other more broadly sold software, it definitely gives me a dim view of that company, its products and its personnel in general. And I let them know this.
I also send acknowledgements to and support companies that provide great products, that are easy to use (design-wise), void of obvious bugs and have good documentation/help systems. Paint Shop Pro, in my opinion, is one of these types of programs.
... is this just material from a bad Saturday Night Live skit?
SCO's rantings and ravings started out as being very funny to me.
Now, they are beyond absurd, the joke has warn then, so to speak.
And the effort they are expending to keep the FUD alive, definitely points to Darl and his cronies needing professional help (their not nuts, they are just stark raving insane).
I could forgive stupidity, but their actions have been far beyond stupidity for quite a while now.
I cannot wait to see Darth (uh, Darl), Sontag, etc. that have been spewing all this crap, called on the carpet by a judge and basically told "Shut your fscking pie-holes!"
One or more of them must be certifbly insane, because they are not acting like rational human beings. Yeah, you play hard ball in business, but at the cost of their company, which appears to been their intention all along just to "make money" pumping and dumping their stock, one or more of them have one or more screw loose.
The answer, no, SCO cannot legally put another license on top of the GPL, plain and simple.
They lose any rights to the software, including distributing it, at that point, if I am not mistaken.
They are well on their way to being properly cooked, sliced thin, and eaten by IBM, RedHat and others. And others will dance on remains of their burning corpse.
A state monument will be erected near the large black smoking crater that was SCO's headquarters.
Scene: Some Federal Prison Time: Some point in the not too distant future
Interviewer: So, now that you have been in prison for fraud and insider trading for a few years, do you have any regrets?
Darl: Not in the least! I mean, I made a lot of money of the scam I was running, had a very good life until it all came crashing down. I also got to make a few corporate big wigs squirm a little when they were writing me checks. It was rich!
Interviewer: So, are you sure that isn't even one thing that you regret, now that you have had time to ponder your crimes?
Darl: Oh, wait, yes, there is one thing.
I regret the power and extent of the Internet.
I mean, without it, and some unfortunately mildly bright surfers, the evidence that our suit against IBM and all our cliams were completely bogus, would have never have come to light.
And, I also regret, that I can't get my hands around the scrawny necks of those bastards that brought forth that information.
You know, if I was on parole right now, I could probably promote and sell licenses to use that information (since it mentions my name and former company's name), and probably make a pile of cash suing those that don't hand over the money in a reasonable amount of time. Yeah, I could be back in business within a few days of my release! Yippee!
Interviewer: So, prision hasn't reformed you even remotely, Darl?
Darl: Nope, not in the least, because I know I am and have been right all along.
Interviewer: Uh, yeah, thanks for your time, Darl....
Sorry, but Sun having paid SCO money earlier, seriously taints Sun in my book.
This is a personal thing for me only, but I am sure others feel the same.
I like java (program in it a little bit), but would not use their OS or Linux from them either.
Dunno what else to say. I hope Sun realizes its mistake, once the dust settles, then tries to re-coup the license money they paid to SCO. That would rock, likely not to happen though.
But, the suit from RedHat might put a damper on that, one can hope.
It is asking for an injunction, so it may actually get to a hearing before a judge soon, and, with all luck, an injunction to stop SCO from spreading their FUD will be issued before then.
If that is the case, then the common stock options, in my opinion, will be worthless. That is, if an injunction is issued before 31 October 2003. I am crossing my fingers.
Yeah, it is just more of SCO making statements, claims, etc. that contradict their previous words AND actions, I might add.
And I do not think their lawyer wrote either of those letters. I think they have Mr. Boies on a minimal retainer until actual court proceedings start (which may be sooner than they are hoping, IMHO).
You had to ask the "What exactly is going on at SCO anyway?" question, didn't you?
Well, take a look at the complete and utter (and man times contradictory) crap they have been spewing for months.
After that, you will come to the conclusion that I and many other have come to, regarding "What exactly is going on at SCO anyway?"
They are trying to run an extortion/protection racket and, they are probably about to be b_tch slapped out of existence in the not too distant future.
They are not adding value to or improving their product(s) in any way, that's for certain. They are too busy putting out statements, making insane comments, threats, etc. trying to extort money from people.
The funny thing is, IMHO, they see and know they are on their last legs as a corporation, and are doing everything possible to raise their stock prices and dump like mad before it all collapses around their heads.
Slashdot Mirror
I just did a search back through 1999 on different articles regarding Caldera, SCO, Linux, etc.
It gave a very very interesting broad "picture" so to speak, regarding the mess SCO is trying to cook up here.
This last shot at the GPL, is actually in line with some of the articles and comments back from a couple years ago, and progressing to now.
It would be kind of neat to see a Slashdot article on the "history" of Caldera/SCO and Linux as it played out here on Slashdot.
But then again, maybe I am just a glutton for punishment, but still would like to see such a thing, summaries of important points, quotes, time line, things of that nature. And of course, the comments from other people here regarding the article would be an added bonus. :)
Regards,
Fredrick
Agreed. :)
Look, the real color of their skin was "anti-Linux and anti-Open Source" almost from the beginning. You look at their actions as far as the lawsuit, then their "words" explaining what they were doing, then watch their PR statements and interviews from that point to now. Regards, Fredrick
Issuing an "invoice" is not a sale. A "sale" is made when the parties agree about the terms of the sale, a "contract" if you will, with money and goods/services exchanging hands. First, these are not SCO's customers, no contract, even verbal, has been established, therefore "no sale". And, the "goods/services" are not even SCO's to sell, from my view, they don't even own them. So, no "good/services" to exchange. This is fraud. If SCO then tries to count these as "accounts receivable" and sics collection agencies on their "customers", watch the lawsuits start piling up. Regards, Fredrick
Let me see, SCO distributes Linux under GPL for how many years? IBM counter-sues saying that SCO has violated the GPL. SCO then claims that the GPL is invalid? That's too funny. SCO knows they do not have a leg to stand on in regards to the GPL. They obviously saw that they cannot claim "we didn't ever intend to release the code as GPL'd code", based on their relatively long history of distribution. Additionally, the code they are complaining about, is not even their code (despite their rantings). So, in affect, SCO is saying the GPL applies to us when we want it to, or not, but it doesn't apply to others because we say so (in reference to IBM's release of code under the GPL). SCO needs a new "SCOzo the Clown" corporate logo, with SCO's corporate color scheme and a big bullseye on its rear end with a sign taped to its back, just above the bullseye saying "IBM, kick me here, hard!" Regards, Fredrick
At the bottom of their "SCO puts IBM on double secret probation" press release, some numbers are given: "The SCO Group (Nasdaq: SCOX) helps millions of customers in more than 82 countries to grow their businesses everyday. Headquartered in Lindon, Utah, SCO has a worldwide network of more than 11,000 resellers and 4,000 developers." I bet a new survey of countries, resellers and developers (a true survey), would show something like: 2 countries. 0 resellers. 2 developers. 5 lawyers. But we count all Linux distributions, resellers and developers as "ours" also, because we say so, so there! So the numbers are much higher! Regards, Fredrick --------- I still like the "SCOzo the Clown" idea....
Yeah, it's like: At first... SCO: You, your customers, their familes, dogs, relatives of any sort, friends, political representatives and their mistresses, etc., can no longer use software that we own.... And now... SCO: Well, sorry (cringes), I meant that only you can't do anything with software we own, even though we don't really own it. And we really mean it this time, you are in big trouble mister! (Places hands on hips and glares threateningly.) SCO's antics are at least entertaining, make me laugh. They should get a new mascot "SCOzo the Clown". The mock up of Darl as Ronald McDonald could be a start, using SCO's corporate colors, cept with a big red and white bullseye target on his butt with a sign on his back saying "Kick me!" Regards, Fredrick
"The SCO Group helps millions of customers in more than 82 countries to grow their businesses everyday" Uh, are they now counting all of the "Linux" and other operating systems that now supposedly contain their "IP"? I bet if they gave the real numbers, it would be like this: Black Sonostag of The SCO Group commented "The SCO Group extorts money from 1 to maybe 3 customers, but that doesn't include the sweet deal we got from Microsoft... oops, did I say that out loud?" Regards, Fredrick
So, after its all said and done, and SCO is found to be full of the crap that is spewing from their mouth, how many of their new "Licensees" will be lining up requesting a refund for the "license" for "absolutely nothing at all"?
The sad part is, once RedHat and IBM are done with SCO, there won't be enough of SCO left for even roaches to snack on.
Regards,
Fredrick
Then you need to reign in the company that sells your product.
Sales/marketing making promises that your software cannot do or will do or could do in the future, will eventually kill your business.
The sales force should learn and understand that software they are selling very very well, and harsh penalties for then promising a customer something that does not exist in the current software.
Also, no promises of "future features" should ever be uttered by salesmen. The tech area needs to work with salesmen so they are coordinated, but the tech guys handle the tech area, and the sales area only sells WHAT THE COMPANY CAN DELIVER, right now, in the hand, that's it.
I have worked on both sides of the fence, was the main salesman and first line of tech support at my company in the late 1980's. You learn the hard way having a foot in both areas how sales and tech should work together. If done properly, things go well. If sales (or tech) promises what cannot be delivered, right now, that customer will come back to haunt you. And every other customer you failed to deliver what they were promised.
I have been working in the computer field for over 20 years.
The majority of my duties have been to test software.
At least, for my company, testing is a three or four fold. Starts with the programmer, testing each function and then the different sections of code working together, then the over all program.
These are then tested and verified as having been properly programmed and tested by the programmer (or programmers).
Beta testing is then done with some key customers.
Finally, a large number of tests are done to certify the program in all its operations by our quality assurance department.
All the above is done, without exception, on every single program we work on and release.
(We handle specialized CAD software). Delivering what we promise to our customers and the quality of those products are of the utmost importance to our company, and our internal policies reflect that as well.
So, again, it greatly depends on the company you are dealing with. I for one hate running into obvious bugs in other more broadly sold software, it definitely gives me a dim view of that company, its products and its personnel in general. And I let them know this.
I also send acknowledgements to and support companies that provide great products, that are easy to use (design-wise), void of obvious bugs and have good documentation/help systems. Paint Shop Pro, in my opinion, is one of these types of programs.
Regards,
Fredrick
I do kind of like the Caldera logo.
Wonder if I can pick up the rights to it for a few bucks on an E-Bay auction?
... is this just material from a bad Saturday Night Live skit?
SCO's rantings and ravings started out as being very funny to me.
Now, they are beyond absurd, the joke has warn then, so to speak.
And the effort they are expending to keep the FUD alive, definitely points to Darl and his cronies needing professional help (their not nuts, they are just stark raving insane).
I could forgive stupidity, but their actions have been far beyond stupidity for quite a while now.
Regards,
Fredrick
Well done, Cap'n!
/wink
Same quote got me to go and download the kernel for historical purposes mainly.
It is now sort of my own digital momento of "SCO-ra versus IBM-zilla".
I actually like the Caldera logo, wonder if I can find it for a buck or two when this is all done.
Regards,
Fredrick
Recent post said HP was a sponsor of this.
I about wet my pants laughing when I read that.
Uh, Micorsift is *not* SCO's competition, in any stretch of the imagination.
They are bed fellows, all chummy and stuff.
By pricing their extortion (er... license) at $699.00, they are hoping to drive business to their slave masters (er... buddies).
Regards,
Fredrick
No, you are not missing anything.
You stated exactly what has happened.
The rest of SCO's "show" is just window dressing.
Except for the pump and dump stock scheme, er... I mean "strategy".
Man, these guys are a piece of work!
I cannot wait to see Darth (uh, Darl), Sontag, etc. that have been spewing all this crap, called on the carpet by a judge and basically told "Shut your fscking pie-holes!"
One or more of them must be certifbly insane, because they are not acting like rational human beings. Yeah, you play hard ball in business, but at the cost of their company, which appears to been their intention all along just to "make money" pumping and dumping their stock, one or more of them have one or more screw loose.
Regards,
Fredrick
The answer, no, SCO cannot legally put another license on top of the GPL, plain and simple.
They lose any rights to the software, including distributing it, at that point, if I am not mistaken.
They are well on their way to being properly cooked, sliced thin, and eaten by IBM, RedHat and others. And others will dance on remains of their burning corpse.
A state monument will be erected near the large black smoking crater that was SCO's headquarters.
(All of this figuratively speaking of course.)
Scene: Some Federal Prison
...
Time: Some point in the not too distant future
Interviewer: So, now that you have been in prison for fraud and insider trading for a few years, do you have any regrets?
Darl: Not in the least! I mean, I made a lot of money of the scam I was running, had a very good life until it all came crashing down. I also got to make a few corporate big wigs squirm a little when they were writing me checks. It was rich!
Interviewer: So, are you sure that isn't even one thing that you regret, now that you have had time to ponder your crimes?
Darl: Oh, wait, yes, there is one thing.
I regret the power and extent of the Internet.
I mean, without it, and some unfortunately mildly bright surfers, the evidence that our suit against IBM and all our cliams were completely bogus, would have never have come to light.
And, I also regret, that I can't get my hands around the scrawny necks of those bastards that brought forth that information.
You know, if I was on parole right now, I could probably promote and sell licenses to use that information (since it mentions my name and former company's name), and probably make a pile of cash suing those that don't hand over the money in a reasonable amount of time. Yeah, I could be back in business within a few days of my release! Yippee!
Interviewer: So, prision hasn't reformed you even remotely, Darl?
Darl: Nope, not in the least, because I know I am and have been right all along.
Interviewer: Uh, yeah, thanks for your time, Darl.
Sorry, but Sun having paid SCO money earlier, seriously taints Sun in my book.
This is a personal thing for me only, but I am sure others feel the same.
I like java (program in it a little bit), but would not use their OS or Linux from them either.
Dunno what else to say. I hope Sun realizes its mistake, once the dust settles, then tries to re-coup the license money they paid to SCO. That would rock, likely not to happen though.
Yeah, I spotted that also.
But, the suit from RedHat might put a damper on that, one can hope.
It is asking for an injunction, so it may actually get to a hearing before a judge soon, and, with all luck, an injunction to stop SCO from spreading their FUD will be issued before then.
If that is the case, then the common stock options, in my opinion, will be worthless. That is, if an injunction is issued before 31 October 2003. I am crossing my fingers.
Regards,
Fredrick
O.K., you twisted my arm.
:)
"SCO's business model is extortion."
There, it has been uttered.
Regards,
Fredrick
I agree with the "divide by zero" comment. :)
Yeah, it is just more of SCO making statements, claims, etc. that contradict their previous words AND actions, I might add.
And I do not think their lawyer wrote either of those letters. I think they have Mr. Boies on a minimal retainer until actual court proceedings start (which may be sooner than they are hoping, IMHO).
Regards,
Fredrick
You had to ask the "What exactly is going on at SCO anyway?" question, didn't you?
Well, take a look at the complete and utter (and man times contradictory) crap they have been spewing for months.
After that, you will come to the conclusion that I and many other have come to, regarding "What exactly is going on at SCO anyway?"
They are trying to run an extortion/protection racket and, they are probably about to be b_tch slapped out of existence in the not too distant future.
They are not adding value to or improving their product(s) in any way, that's for certain. They are too busy putting out statements, making insane comments, threats, etc. trying to extort money from people.
The funny thing is, IMHO, they see and know they are on their last legs as a corporation, and are doing everything possible to raise their stock prices and dump like mad before it all collapses around their heads.
Regards,
Fredrick