I, Cringely: He's Not in It for the Profit

[ Thanks to Mike Rasmusson for this link. ]

"Section III(J)(2) contains some very strong language against not-for-profits. Specifically, the language says that it need not describe nor license API, Documentation, or Communications Protocols affecting authentication and authorization to companies that don't meet Microsoft's criteria as a business: '...(c) meets reasonable, objective standards established by Microsoft for certifying the authenticity and viability of its business, ...'

So much for SAMBA and other Open Source projects that use Microsoft calls. The settlement gives Microsoft the right to effectively kill these products."

Complete Story

Related Stories:

• The Register: MS to Europe: opening source would break patent laws (Dec 04, 2001)
• Ralph Nader Addresses the Microsoft Settlement, Expresses Special Concern for Free Software(Nov 09, 2001)
• Washington Post: U.S. Settlement Leaves Microsoft More Entrenched(Nov 09, 2001)
• LinuxPlanet: .comment: The Settlement Sucks(Nov 07, 2001)
• Jeremy Allison & Andrew Tridgell: Analysis of the MS Settlement and What It Means for Samba. (Nov 06, 2001)
• InternetNews.com: DOJ, Microsoft Settle Antitrust Suit (Nov 02, 2001)
• New York Times: Justice Department and Microsoft Agree on Most of Settlement Pact (Nov 01, 2001)
• The Nation: Gates at Appomattox: Why the US Surrendered (Eben Moglen) (Sep 10, 2001)