[ Thanks to Matt for
this link. ]
“When Microsoft revealed recently it was licensing SCO Group’s
Unix software, some interpreted it as an opportunistic bid by
Microsoft to undermine Linux by not only endorsing SCO Group’s
controversial intellectual-property claims, but by also funding SCO
Group’s bold legal strategy. An interesting theory, but one that
overlooks an important point: Microsoft may need SCO’s Unix
code.“Microsoft officials don’t have a whole lot to say on the
subject. Though they often talk openly about future products,
they’re tight-lipped when asked what the company will do with the
Unix System V source code now at the company’s disposal. Back on
May 19, when SCO Group disclosed the deal, Microsoft senior VP and
general counsel Brad Smith issued a two-sentence statement saying
the deal ‘helps to ensure IP compliance across Microsoft solutions
and supports our efforts around existing products like Services for
Unix that further Unix interoperability…'”