Get the Facts: Microsoft/Novell Deal
On November 2nd 2006, it was made official that Novell had chosen to receive a small fortune in order to assist Microsoft’s battle against Free software, including GNU/Linux.
“Free software hasn’t a debt to Microsoft, so say no to Novell.”This deal results in extortion, so-called “patent terroritm”, and a variety of other nasty consequences that illustrate Novell’s role as a proxy for Microsoft.
To make matters worse, the following words from Microsoft’s Brad Smith confirm the fact that Novell pays Microsoft royalties for Linux and Free software, due to unsubstantiated claims whose validity Novell stubbornly denies.
And you’ll see, as well, an economic commitment from Novell to Microsoft that involves a running royalty, a percentage of revenue on open source software shipped under the agreement
When you pay Novell, you give your money to a multiple-times convicted monopoly abuser. Free software hasn’t a debt to Microsoft, so say no to Novell.
Last edited in 2007
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy. 
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