Microsoft expands Linux patent deals in expected, unexpected places

Linux & Open Source This newsletter is sponsored by Novell Case Study: Linux improves performance, lowers TCO In this real-world case study, discover how one IT solutions provider switched to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, which enables it to provide high-performance, scalable solutions at more competitive prices while reducing its TCO by 25%. Click here to download this whitepaper. Network World's Linux & Open Source Newsletter, 06/13/07 Microsoft expands Linux patent deals in expected, unexpected places By Phil Hochmuth Microsoft last week signed on two more companies to patent lawsuit protection deals. One deal, with LG Electronics, is the continuation of a trend among Linux-based cell phone and embedded technology manufacturers. Companies such as LG and Samsung are seeking insurance against future Microsoft lawsuits that may claim patent infringement against Microsoft. The other deal that emerged last week with Linux distributor Xandros, is more curious. LG’s deal with Microsoft involves exchanges of money between the two companies (with the amount undisclosed) to license each other’s patented technology. As a result, both companies agree not to sue each others customers for patent infringement. The agreement is similar to the original deal Microsoft made with Novell last fall, and similar deals made with Samsung, Xerox, and others since. From servers to storage: Virtualization saves It's touted as one of the fastest and easiest ways to better manage and control your infrastructure. Download this guide today and see how network IT execs are making virtualization pay off in the real world; discover the 8 virtualization gotchas you need to know; and much more. Click here to download. While Microsoft claims Linux and associated open source software packages violate over 200 of its patents, it has yet to detail what exact technologies are infringed upon. Also last week, Microsoft gained its first Linux company partner, in the area of patent protection, since the initial deal with Novell. Xandros, which makes Linux desktop, server and management tools, made an agreement with Microsoft to cross-license (undisclosed) technologies for “interoperability” purposes. The deal also included “covenants” between the parties whereby Xandros customers would be protected from future Microsoft patent-violation claims. LG’s deal with Microsoft could be seen as just an insurance policy; with 204 million Linux cell phones expected to ship by 2012, the consumer electronics maker is just tidying up any legal loopholes before the embedded Linux cell phone market explodes. As a Linux company, Xandros’ deal with Microsoft may cause more dismay among defenders of free software development and licensing principles. The open source community has already accused Xandros of “talking to the devil” according to its CEO. It will be interesting to see if this trend grows among other Linux distributors.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

Contact the author: Phil Hochmuth is a Network World Senior Editor and a former systems integrator. You can reach him at phochmut@nww.com. This newsletter is sponsored by Novell Case Study: Linux improves performance, lowers TCO In this real-world case study, discover how one IT solutions provider switched to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, which enables it to provide high-performance, scalable solutions at more competitive prices while reducing its TCO by 25%. Click here to download this whitepaper. ARCHIVE Archive of the Linux & Open Source Newsletter. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007