As a linux developer, I think you are aware of the GPL. Microsoft CANNOT have their way, they are entering into our territory. Also, they have issued their agreement towards individual developers which is also holding them at bay. Microsoft simply cannot sue GPL developers. They are also being forced to document their source code which is probably why they are entering this pact in the first place. I seriously doubt, with their history in regards to Microsoft, that Novell approached MS about this deal. Microsoft has to comply to OUR rules cause they are entering OUR territory. They cannot take over GPL software, there are too many strikes against them to do so even if they wanted to. They've also released their own agreement which makes it hard if not impossible for Microsoft to impose their patents. Let's face it, in regards to Linux, it's more than making a better Linux, it's about making a better IT environment. Great, we can have an awesome Linux that can only function in a Linux environment. I don't know that I'd want to be a mortgage company trying to run encompass on Wine with little support other than a mailing list and forum. If this pact works out, Linux and MS will be more interoperable than ever before. That's what we want, an IT environment where you can have Windows and/or Linux and be able to function just fine. And what makes you think you can protect any of us if "Microsoft has their way"? You're GPL too, there's more to SuSE than the SuSE code. There is also other GPL software like KDE, GNOME, etc. IF "Microsoft had their way", it's game over for all GPL developers, not just the SuSE ones because GPL extends into Ubuntu and other distros. I seriously doubt Microsoft can attempt to take over since Linux and Open Source is a community, not a corporation, the GPL stands, other MS and Novell agreements stand to keep them at bay, and Microsoft has strikes against them with the EU and people all over the globe. Let people develop with whom they want to. Don't disrespect any of us. I guarantee you, with you trying to enter the Enterprise arena, you're going to wish that you had some sort of interoperability setup. Because most proprietary solutions are in place and have been for years. It'd be really hard to replace that so it's easier to try to make it work on Linux. Let all of us developers be Mark. On Mon Nov 27 1:57 , Mark Shuttleworth sent:

Andreas Jaeger wrote:

...

There's been a lot of confusion and misrepresentation - and maybe not the best reaction from Novell to all the concerns and fears that the contract raised - but I do see us on the same side: as part of the open source community.

Mark, I'd like to invite you to discuss what possibilities we have to work together against the domination of Microsoft on the desktops - instead of fighting against each other.

I would prefer to see more users switching from Windows to Linux than just Linux users switching distributions.

Agreed, and I'm very happy to look for ways in which we can improve collaboration between Ubuntu and SuSE. We all want to see Linux distributions get stronger, and the proprietary platform forced to compete on a more open and healthy basis, and collaboration between distributions improves our chances of achieving that goal.

There is room for many Linux distributions, and SuSE has obviously earned its place at the table through its long history of technical excellence. My mail was in no way denigrating SuSE, it was only pointing out the existence of the Ubuntu Open Week to those developers who happen to be looking around now because of the Novell stance on patents and the related Microsoft deal. And these concerned developers do exist - I've fielded several personal emails from SuSE developers shocked at the deal and looking to find out what Ubuntu's position on these matters is, with a view to switching if their questions are satisfactorily answered.

I don't in any way blame the SuSE community for the Novell deal. It's not your fault that Novell accepted the terms of Microsoft's offer, perhaps without thinking of the consequences. But make no mistake that the consequences will be severe if Microsoft is allowed to maintain their view that the deal entitles them to claim that any Linux deployment must pay them a patent licence. Samba, the kernel, X, and many other pieces of the Linux desktop would be severely compromised if that pans out the way Microsoft would like. This is a serious, serious threat. I'm working hard to make sure that anybody, anywhere in the world can use a computer free of charge and study how it works - and this deal is a major offensive by the other side. Bruce Parens, the Samba Team, the Open Invention Network and others have all spoken out in protest because they can see what a devastating effect it will have if Microsoft carries the day on this one.

I know many SuSE developers share the same goals as the Ubuntu project, so collaboration should be our primary goal. And I'm happy to work with you to figure out how we do so. Perhaps we can devote some time during the Open Week to discussing collaboration between distros, too? You'd be welcome to join us. Also, I would be happy to visit your next meeting, or online forum, to talk about this further, just let me know when and where.

Mark (gpg-signed to avoid further speculation on authenticity :-)).

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