Michael Dolan Dot Com

Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006

IBM and OIN’s Take on Microsoft-Novell Deal

http://www.linux-watch.com/news/NS4468266798.html

Scott Handy and OIN’s Jerry Roesenthal lumped into one story. Some good quotes:

Handy agreed and added, “We aren’t sure what Microsoft’s intentions are [in regards to patents].” However, “We have never seen any need for patent protection for Linux, and we don’t see any need for it now. If legal claims exist, they should be resolved between vendors and not involve end-user customers.”

To many IT buyers, “This is sign of Linux’s unstoppable growth. It’s Linux’s time. The only strategy is how to grow with it. It’s not unlike the introduction of the Internet,” Handy added. “Once people understood that it wasn’t going away, no one fought it any more; instead every one threw their hat in the ring.”

And Jerry Roesenthal threw in some zingers:

Rosenthal continued, “Unfortunately, embedded in Microsoft’s recent endorsement of Linux are claims regarding customers’ needing protection from patent attack. Those claims are baseless. In fact, there have been no patent suits against Linux. While patent disputes are not unheard of between and among software developers and distributors, they are almost always resolved between these commercial entities — not by dragging in end-user customers. Isn’t the real issue the fact that Microsoft is making such a threat against its own customers?”

If you’re unfamiliar with the OIN, let me point you to a FAQ section that may help you understand its purpose (second last FAQ item, my emphasis in red):

Large companies have recently been talking about “patent trolls.” They are typically referring to companies and individuals who develop or acquire patents in order to look for infringers. Is that the purpose of Open Invention Network?
No. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. The term “patent troll” implies something that’s aggressive, punitive and territorial and stops people from collaborating. Open Invention Network’s mission is not to seek revenues by asserting its patents. Rather, its intent is only to assert its patents in a defensive way – against those who attack Linux. Through such actions, OIN helps to facilitate and promote a fertile, positive ecosystem for Linux, which will drive innovation and choice into the marketplace.