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

Dec 11, 2001, 04:52 (18 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Robert X. Cringely)

[ 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

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• The Register: MS to Europe: opening source would break patent laws (Dec 05, 2001)
• Ralph Nader Addresses the Microsoft Settlement, Expresses Special Concern for Free Software(Nov 10, 2001)
• Washington Post: U.S. Settlement Leaves Microsoft More Entrenched(Nov 10, 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 03, 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 11, 2001)