Perhaps the most important piece of software that runs on Linux is crying foul, about the Microsoft/Novell partner agreement. The Samba software package, which enables users to share documents and folders, is integral in having any hetereogenous computer environment work seamlessy together.
In the deal, Microsoft and Novell agree not to assert their patents against each other. Sure that makes sense, they are saying lets move forward together and not sue each other into oblivion the process. What the crux problem is the wonderful little statement in the patent covenant that says…
“The patent covenant only applies to software that you develop at home and keep for yourself; the promises don’t extend to others when you distribute,” Bradley M. Kuhn, the law center’s chief technology officer, wrote in a letter to open-source software developers Thursday.
Developers must remain unpaid for their work in order to be covered by the pact, he said. And in any case, the pledge can’t be relied upon because Microsoft has the right to alter the terms, he said.
Trying to comprehend all of this, however I’m still dazed and confused about what is happening. Hmm, I think the FUD machine got me again. Also here is my favorite quote from the article.
“Microsoft has used this patent pledge to indicate that, in their view, the only good Free Software developer is an isolated, uncompensated, unimportant Free Software developer.”
