Xandros Linux takes Microsoft's patent protection
By Barry Collins
Posted on 4 Jun 2007 at 18:30
Xandros has followed in the footsteps of Novell and signed a deal with Microsoft over intellectual property rights.
The deal follows Microsoft's recent claims that free and open-source software infringes 235 of its patents, which were largely dismissed by the open-source community.
The move represents something of a risk for Xandros, given the criticism that Novell faced for jumping into bed with Microsoft. However, the Linux vendor claims it's a good move for both companies. 'Companies today are running a mixture of Linux and Windows systems,' says Andreas Typaldos, Chief Executive Officer of Xandros. 'Cross-platform data centres are a reality. To meet evolving customer needs, vendors need to recognise the value of sharing intellectual property, developing more interoperable solutions and providing management tools that are familiar and easy to use.'
Microsoft is also keen to underline its intellectual property rights. 'We believe in and encourage respect for all licensing and development models, and intellectual property is an important component in this environment,' says Bill Hilf, General Manager of Platform Strategy at Microsoft. 'Our announcement with Xandros is an exciting step to deliver what our mutual customers have been asking for.'
Whether the five-year deal will now tempt other Linux vendors to strike similar agreements is questionable, but Microsoft says it remains keen to work with open-source providers.
From around the web
advertisement
- Chrome's shine getting lost in translation
- BytePac: the cardboard hard disk enclosure
- How tech loosens our grip on reality
- Hokum watch: Safer Internet Day
- Why I'm deleting Adobe from my PC
- Prepare to be patronised: it's Safer Internet Day
- Dear Sony, Samsung and every other tech company in the world: stop trying to be Apple
- Will Apple's Final Cut Pro X update placate the pros?
- Smartr Contacts for iPhone review
- Switching to Office 365's Outlook Web App
- Why virtualisation hasn't slowed the growth of data
- How to make Google AdWords work for your business
- The curse of sloppily written software
- Paying for your crimes with Bitcoin
- Behind the scenes: tech support for Formula 1
- The security risk of fat fingers
- Why Windows Phone 7 isn't quite ready for business
- When will Microsoft stop fiddling with Windows 8?
- Flash down the pan?
- Metro Style apps vs desktop applications
advertisement
