It’s not like Microsoft violated any Apple patents!
Definitely worthy of the Sopranos.
My guess is that within ten years, Windows will be a GUI running on top of Linux or some flavor of Unix.
A first step could be something like BootCamp. You could boot Linux, allow it to manage security, and let a light version of Windows launch the apps. Windows used to run under DOS, so it’s been done before.
Quire frankly I see it as an intelligent move on Microsoft’s part.
The agreement basically says that MS won’t sue for patent infringement, and Xandros (as well as Novell from the previous agreement) get to make an operating system that will play more friendly in a Windows environment.
Quite frankly, from a marketing stand point, it’s a good thing for Novell and Xandros, they can claim greater compatibility with Microsoft, which is a boon in the corporate and home computer markets.
And Microsoft is protecting it’s own patents in the process.
And as for MS stealing Apple’s patents, never happened, Apple sued MS over “Look and feel” of it’s desktop interface, anyone who knows computers to any extent knows the the underling technology behind Windows and the Mac OS are completely different beasts running (previously to Mac going to Intel) different processor architectures.
In the end, Apple stole from Xerox, Microsoft Stole from Apple, and they all stole from IBM.
If Microsoft starts throwing around Linux lawsuits, it might be time to take a look at antitrust action again.
Thereby giving validity to Microshaft's claim without the bother and expense of litigating the issue.
Another making a deal with the dragon in the fond hope to be eaten last...
Fortunately, in spite of all of Europe's other negatives, this ploy is not likely to fly there...
What's so hard to understand about "open source"?
This is like the ADA lawsuits.
We give you a “pass inspection” paper for us not litigating further.
THIS is where tort reform should happen.
“Ball-muh and I would hate to see anything bad happen to ya” — Billy the Digit