[SC.LUG] Fwd: [OSC-Members] Interesting CNN Article

[David Holden]

On Monday 14 May 2007, George wrote:
> >  Microsoft really must be getting desperate to consider going after its
> > own customers. Interesting they now put a number on the patent FUD.
> >
> >  On a related issue does anyone here develop in Mono have any opinions on
> > the IP issue therein..
>
> I've not touched it and I find it mind boggling that people are writing
> so much free software in a language that has such a shakey foundation.
> It's not like there aren't alternatives.
>
> Mind boggled doesn't go far enough infact. This allows people to move
> their applications from Microsoft operating systems to free ones - I
> can't imagine many making the reverse journey can you? The only possible
> thing it does is "grow mindshare" but I can't see Microsoft's
> shareholders being happy with the return from that. Furthermore it's
> unofficial, as far as I know Microsoft has never supported or endorsed it.
>
> Compare this to Java where even prior to the GPL'ing they were providing
> official versions of the runtime to allow it to be run on non-Solaris
> operating systems. With Java you could see a motive for them to allow it
> - they are selling tools, consultancy, support, certification etc. and
> Linux to big iron Solaris if your app gets successful is not unimaginable.
>
> Additionally if you're writing Open Source software then surely there's
> less of a need to use either of these as if you supply the source code
> then the packages can be compiled to support whatever native environment
>   they're to be used on.
>
> George
>

  I agree entirely. Whats worrying is that I think mono is now an integral 
part of the gnome desktop.

         Dave.



-- 
Dr. David Holden.

See: <http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/no-word-attachments.html>
regarding Word or PowerPoint. GPG key available on request.
-------------------------------------------------------------