Phipps: Flattered But Not Impressed

“If imitation is the sincerest part of flattery, then we at Sun
feel very flattered by Microsoft’s decision to start using
non-assert covenants as a way to give developers freedom from fear
in their use of standards (even if they don’t credit us). Like Andy
Updegrove, I’ve taken some time to consider their document, and
I’ve some comments I hope they’ll take on board when they get round
to making a covenant that actually applies to Office 12 or to the
work they’ll offer to Ecma International (neither of which has
happened yet).

“In the spirit of contribution, then, here are six observations
about their covenant…”

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