Microsoft seems to want Linux distributors to pay for protection against a possibility that Microsofts intellectual property has been used in the Linux core used in Linux distrbutions. Steve Ballmer in a question answer session threatened those that do not pay up with an investigation into their Linux code!

As part of a business cooperation with Novell Microsoft has agreed not to assert rights over patents to any software technology that might be placed into Suse Linux. Covered by this protection are individuals and non-commercial open source developers that program code and contribute to the Suse Linux distribution. Developers employed to program code that goes into Suse Linux are covered by this also.

Other Linux distribution makers like Red Hat consider the legal threat to be ridiculous and without any substance. Microsoft is coming on like a maffia gangster asking for protection money. They think that Microsoft is trying to place a tax on innovation.

Steve Ballmer of Microsoft insists that Linux is using Microsofts innovations in the Linux kernel code. That Linux distributors will have to pay what is owed or Linux users will. Some companies like Red Hat may choose to call the Microsoft bluff. If Red Hat gives in and there is a trend then distros like Unbuntu which have gained popularity through being free may have a problem. Unbuntu has been a key source of innovation of a user friendly desktop version of Linux.

Though all of this seems to be pure speculation no Linux distributor has as yet come forward to deny or confirm the use of Microsoft ideas in their software. Microsoft as usual keeps whatever patents that may be in question a secret. Perhaps guarding against any sudden moves to fix or remove the code from Linux.

So there has been good news and bad news this week. First Java is licensed under the GPL, which may increase the popularity of Linux when Java becomes part of future distributions of Linux, good news. Now Microsoft is threatening to place an artificial cap on the distribution of Linux, very bad news.

Frightening is the fact that those distributors that go into agreement with Microsoft are allowing Microsoft to profit from Linux. Microsoft will no longer have to worry so much about Linux gaining popularity because of these types of deals Windows and Linux may be legally integrated. If a universal and mutual understanding is reached then the war between Linux and Windows may become a cease fire.

Happy Publishing!

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