[nzlug] Microsoft on Novell Deal

[Peter Harrison]

On Tue, 2006-11-14 at 14:09 +1300, Dirk Pilat wrote:
> 
> I always thought this prevents Novell from having MS coming down like a  
> large rectangular object on them due to the (probably relevant) patent  
> infringements in Mono?

Well; since Novell are receiving a large payout perhaps they had the
patents, or possibly they would refrain from taking anti-trust action?
The agreement also supports the smoke and mirrors "All you AyePee Belong
To Us" mantra MS continues to suggest; although there is no real
evidence yet that there are Linux infringements.

> Where are the benefits for MS? Enlighten a stupid immigrant to North  
> Otago....

Not much; other than PR. Novell have been very explicit that they are
not aware of any patent infringements by Linux of MS patents. MS
continues to make sounds like they will "protect their intellectual
property", but the fact is that any action would be quickly condemned in
the industry in general, and could possibly attract unwanted attention
from DOJ antitrust enforcers. This may be even more important not the
Democrats are back; since the whole Antitrust suit was scuttled by Bush.

I figure MS are being 'genuine' - in that they are making a deal similar
to the one they made with Apple many years ago to settle their ongoing
legal issues.