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Just another step

Story: Microsoft aims to double user base with $3 Windows and OfficeTotal Replies: 5
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bigg

Apr 19, 2007
8:50 AM EDT 		towards a GPL'd version of Windows.

Essentially giving the software away. You know, as a way to make money in other areas.

We just keep seeing the software industry evolving to more reasonable business models. Other distribution methods are better for the consumer, this is additional confirmation that Microsoft agrees.
tracyanne

Apr 19, 2007
2:23 PM EDT 		No. It's yet another means of outflanking Linux. The Samsung patent deal is another, as is the Novell deal.
Shagbag

Apr 20, 2007
1:40 AM EDT 		Outflanking?

These 'patent deals' merely reflect a vain attempt by M$ to legitimise its questionable claims about intellectual property they've been making since the the boy stopped crying wolf and went home.

I severely doubt if anyone takes them seriously. IIRC, the (5yr-only) Novell deal involved a substantial sum of net cash going to Novell who have since consistently - and vocally - maintained that Ron Hovsepien is not a Bag Man.
tracyanne

Apr 20, 2007
2:01 AM EDT 		Get enough people to sign such cross patent deals and at the very least it looks like Microsoft has a case - perception is everything.
bigg

Apr 20, 2007
4:35 AM EDT 		It's not difficult to get companies to sign up if you're the one paying out millions of dollars. That does create a perception, but probably not that Microsoft has a case. Rather than naming the patents and taking legal action to collect revenues from them, Microsoft is paying companies money to enter into an agreement.
dinotrac

Apr 20, 2007
4:53 AM EDT 		> perception is everything.

Contrary to what Hollywood and PR flacks would have you think, perception is not everything.

Powerful, yes. Everything, no.

Perception is only good until reality presents itself. Think of movies that tank after strong openings because audiences didn't like the film.

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