Microsoft and SCO: FUD Brothers (eWeek)

Posted Mar 16, 2004 12:21 UTC (Tue) by cpm (guest, #3554)
In reply to: Microsoft and SCO: FUD Brothers (eWeek) by vonbrand
Parent article: Microsoft and SCO: FUD Brothers (eWeek)

I just don't know if this is part of any big game plan.
SCO won't "loose" this case. If it really ends up looking
like SCO will actually loose, the case -imnsho- will just
sort of fade out, with no real resolution.

In that manner, the FUD remains pretty much intact, and some other shill
can come along and attack from a slightly different angle.

I think, and have though since the outset, that is is an
attack on the GPL. A friend of mine blogged back after the
so-called Microsoft antitrust settlement, that Microsoft would
begin attacking the GPL via proxy within two years of the
settlement. Looks like he was spot on.

The attacks will not stop with SCO.

There is way too much at stake.

Microsoft and SCO: FUD Brothers (eWeek)

Posted Mar 18, 2004 19:26 UTC (Thu) by Duncan (guest, #6647) [Link]

> If it really ends up looking like SCO will
> actually loose, the case -imnsho- will just
> sort of fade out, with no real resolution.

That may or may not be. Keep in mind that the IBM case, anyway, is
two-sided (and there are others as well). IBM has already hinted that
they don't intend to let this die so easily. When the judge asked the IBM
lawyers what they would suggest she do if she found SCOX hadn't complied
with the original order of the court in discovery, IBM's response was
basically "slap their hand and give them more time." IOW, they aren't
ready to let this simply die, yet. They want to give SCOX every
oportunity they can to make their case, so when the decision comes down,
it will set precident (in the business world if not directly in the
courts). That they have a counter-suit that directly brings up the GPL
side of it is often forgotten as well. I believe even if the original
case sort of dies, IBM intends to pursue the countersuit and end this "GPL
never tested in court" stuff one way or another.

Even if the company folds, the assets including the claimed IP doesn't
just go away. Someone gets it, and the case may continue from there, even
without SCOX, tho likely in a changed form. The new owner /may/ decide to
settle, but given the counter-suit as well, IBM may not be in a settling
mood.

Duncan