Linux Foundation to Microsoft: Bring it on!

 Last week, Microsoft issued a statement that the Linux and Open Office makers could be violating hundreds of patents with the open-source development of the two popular software sets, prompting news sites and blogs to issue different reactions.

For their part, the Linux foundation didn’t take it well. As a matter of fact, their general ire was invoked, and they’re as unfazed as ever in the face of a potential patent war. An article in businessweek written by a Linux community member proves so.

The article described Microsoft as a “threatened giant” and a “rational actor” all in one. According to the analysis, Microsoft makes about US$34 million a day mainly on the strength of its Windows OS and Office application suite. When these two big assets are under competition, measures must be taken to quell the uprising.

The article, echoing other Linux-community responses,  described Microsoft’s action as fear, uncertainty and doubt-causing measures to scare off people who want to make the move to open source software. That way, even if they only delay the ship-jump, the giant would have saved a bundle already.

The article also pointed to the current patent system as a flawed one that can be abused by powerful companies to have their way with smaller competitors. This, in a sense, stagnates the competition and leaves little motivation to innovate.

As a parting shot, the article stated that the Linux Foundation is willing and ready to use its considerable resources to defend its turf and fore counter-claims against Microsoft. The article also urged Microsoft to cooperate in improving software patent laws instead of resorting to the tactics that it uses now.

Via Businessweek

 Last week, Microsoft issued a statement that the Linux and Open Office makers could be violating hundreds of patents with the open-source development of the two popular software sets, prompting news sites and blogs to issue different reactions.

For their part, the Linux foundation didn’t take it well. As a matter of fact, their general ire was invoked, and they’re as unfazed as ever in the face of a potential patent war. An article in businessweek written by a Linux community member proves so.

The article described Microsoft as a “threatened giant” and a “rational actor” all in one. According to the analysis, Microsoft makes about US$34 million a day mainly on the strength of its Windows OS and Office application suite. When these two big assets are under competition, measures must be taken to quell the uprising.

The article, echoing other Linux-community responses,  described Microsoft’s action as fear, uncertainty and doubt-causing measures to scare off people who want to make the move to open source software. That way, even if they only delay the ship-jump, the giant would have saved a bundle already.

The article also pointed to the current patent system as a flawed one that can be abused by powerful companies to have their way with smaller competitors. This, in a sense, stagnates the competition and leaves little motivation to innovate.

As a parting shot, the article stated that the Linux Foundation is willing and ready to use its considerable resources to defend its turf and fore counter-claims against Microsoft. The article also urged Microsoft to cooperate in improving software patent laws instead of resorting to the tactics that it uses now.

Via Businessweek