ONE YEAR ago we wrote about Microsoft turning out the lights on the Caldera case using a secret settlement [1, 2]. Comes vs Microsoft ended with a similar type of settlement, but we do not know how much Microsoft paid. We are fortunate that Grouchy had acquired a copy of all the evidence before it unexpectedly went “poof” as part of the settlement.

I'm so glad you answered my question with a resounding Yes as to whether you wanted to get all the exhibits attached to Microsoft's Memorandum of Law [PDF] in support of Microsoft's cross motion for summary judgment in the Novell v. Microsoft antitrust litigation. We finally find out what Microsoft paid Caldera to settle the DrDOS litigation back in 2000: $280 million. We even get to read the settlement agreement. It's attached as an exhibit. Can you imagine? I'm so surprised.

The settlement terms were sealed for all these years, but lo and behold, now that mystery is solved. There are many more goodies on the list of exhibits.

We also find out what Caldera/Canopy then paid Novell from that $280 million: $35.5 million at first, and then after Novell successfully sued Canopy in 2004, Caldera's successor-in-interest on this matter, an additional $17.7 million, according to page 16 of the Memorandum.