[Peelod]

The implications of this case for A/VOIP are enormous. See Cringely's links page for details.

[glock rocks]

What does Burst make, and what does TiVo have to do with it?

[FreeAtlanta]

This is somewhat of an aside, but I am happy Microsoft has firmed up it's spine and is putting more free software out with the release of it's anti-spyware (find it on Microsoft.com) software. The DOJ and Clinton's greatest wag the dog operation had them reeling for a few years, but it looks like they are coming back strong.

I have heard they are going to release a free anti-virus package and I can't wait. Say what you want, but Microsoft does software for the common man, the right way. They make it easy to use and affordable. Bill Gates, you da man!

[mikegi]

Isn't Burst the bankrupt company that was bought by a bunch of lawyers years ago? I guess lawyers need to eat, too...

[conservativebabe]

I have never believed that Microsoft was an evil empire. I love the rich! More power to them. However, isn't Gates a lib?

[Bobalu]

I hate to stick up for Microsoft, but Software patents are a really BAD idea. It's like being able to patent a plot-twist
in a new novel...and then nobody else could ever write such a story twist without paying you (or your heirs) tribute.

If there were no software patents Microsoft would be the worlds biggest loser... that alone is a great reason to abolish them :-)

[ikka]

The legal part of this case is that MSFT pulled a bait and switch with the court over the retention of email and the searching of email related to a particular case.

Burst's position is that MSFT would appoint someone to be "in charge" of a particular project and thus that person's email would be searched in case of discovery; BUT the person who was listead as being in charge did not actually work on the project. Thus MSFT hid the actual people and their emails were never searched. If Burst is accurate, then MSFT is guilty of misleading the court, committing perjury, filing false affidavits, etc. Should it go to court and Burst win, there could be stiff fines and even jail time for the in-house lawyers.