Comments on: Links 19/04/2008: Ubuntu on ARM; Hardy @ RC; AGPLv3 Up Over 20% http://techrights.org/2008/04/19/agplv3-up-over-20-pct/ Free Software Sentry – watching and reporting maneuvers of those threatened by software freedom Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Yhuong Bao http://techrights.org/2008/04/19/agplv3-up-over-20-pct/comment-page-1/#comment-8228 Yhuong Bao Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:48:57 +0000 http://boycottnovell.com/2008/04/19/agplv3-up-over-20-pct/#comment-8228 Indeed, part of being careful is not believe the FUD. Indeed, part of being careful is not believe the FUD.

]]> By: Roy Schestowitz http://techrights.org/2008/04/19/agplv3-up-over-20-pct/comment-page-1/#comment-8184 Roy Schestowitz Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:29:10 +0000 http://boycottnovell.com/2008/04/19/agplv3-up-over-20-pct/#comment-8184 <blockquote> Note that the worst part of MS-Novell deal only comes into play if MS is actually suing Linux users for patent violation, then, and only then, is Linux made non-free software. </blockquote> Not exactly. Allow me to explain this the way I view it, but please feel free to disagree. Microsoft does not need to sue if it can rattle a sabers and then: 1. Extract payments OR 2. Scare vendors who might wish to include 'dangerous' components (c/f recent story about Red Hat and codecs dilemma) OR 3. Scare customers (businesses in particular), who might view such things with uncertainty in mind. Fear is a strong driver. Lawsuits are more about a reality, as opposed to perceived risk, which can be more effective. Fear is costly because it can harm business or lead to irrational spendings.

Note that the worst part of MS-Novell deal only comes into play if MS is actually suing Linux users for patent violation, then, and only then, is Linux made non-free software.

Not exactly. Allow me to explain this the way I view it, but please feel free to disagree. Microsoft does not need to sue if it can rattle a sabers and then:

1. Extract payments

OR

2. Scare vendors who might wish to include ‘dangerous’ components (c/f recent story about Red Hat and codecs dilemma)

OR

3. Scare customers (businesses in particular), who might view such things with uncertainty in mind.

Fear is a strong driver. Lawsuits are more about a reality, as opposed to perceived risk, which can be more effective.

Fear is costly because it can harm business or lead to irrational spendings.

]]> By: Yuhong Bao http://techrights.org/2008/04/19/agplv3-up-over-20-pct/comment-page-1/#comment-8183 Yuhong Bao Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:56:23 +0000 http://boycottnovell.com/2008/04/19/agplv3-up-over-20-pct/#comment-8183 Note that the worst part of MS-Novell deal only comes into play if MS is actually suing Linux users for patent violation, then, and only then, is Linux made non-free software. The real problem with this is that it increases the incentive for MS to sue and MS could bribe free software developers to keep the patented tech in other to collect royalties. So probably not worth a boycott, but be careful. Note that the worst part of MS-Novell deal only comes into play if MS is actually suing Linux users for patent violation, then, and only then, is Linux made non-free software. The real problem with this is that it increases the incentive for MS to sue and MS could bribe free software developers to keep the patented tech in other to collect royalties. So probably not worth a boycott, but be careful.

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