Microsoft is also paying .....
Yes, referred to as a "patent cross license agreement". I'm pretty sure Microsoft already had one with IBM and Sun, and now have one with Novell. If Red Hat doesn't have enough patents to enter into such an agreement, nor is willing to purchase the right to use Microsoft's patented technology, Microsoft could sue if they thought the reward was worth it, just as IBM is suing Amazon.com now for patent violation. I don't expect it though, at least not anytime soon, Microsoft doesn't have a history of "agressive" patent lawsuits, I expect smaller more agressive companies will eventually start suing Red Hat for patent infringement instead, like Firestar recently did over their Jboss middleware.
This is about Microsoft and Novell assuring business clients that there will be no lawsuits if the business clients use linux, particularly SUSE linux.
Businesses are FAR more cautious than ordinary consumers when there is a possibility of lawsuits based on intellectual property claims. Linux stands little chance of gaining widespread acceptance in the business community until and unless underlying intellectual property disputes are resolved.
This partnership agreement in a welcome and necessary step in the maturing and mainstreaming of linux in the business world.
This is about Microsoft and Novell assuring business clients that there will be no lawsuits if the business clients use linux, particularly SUSE linux.
Businesses are FAR more cautious than ordinary consumers when there is a possibility of lawsuits based on intellectual property claims. Linux stands little chance of gaining widespread acceptance in the business community until and unless underlying intellectual property disputes are resolved.
This partnership agreement is a welcome and necessary step in the maturing and mainstreaming of linux in the business world.