14 DAY TRIAL // If Microsoft gets its own way, Linux will no longer be free. No open source software would be for that matter. The Redmond Company has initiated a course of events that could end up in putting a price tag on all open source solutions, from the Linux operating system to the OpenOffice productivity suite. Moreover, for every sold copy of Linux or OpenOffice, Microsoft stands to receive a share of the money.
At the basis of Microsoft's position are claims that free and open source software (FOSS) violates on less than 235 of its patents. The Redmond Company has taken the first steps towards an all open legal confrontation with FOOS, but when it comes down to the actual patents being violated, Microsoft failed to itemize specific cases of patent infringement.
However, Microsoft licensing chief Horacio Gutierrez and General Counsel Brad Smith did provide a general perspective. According to the Redmond Company, the Linux kernel alone manages to violate 42 Microsoft patents. The graphical user interface integrated into the open source operating system infringes on an additional 65 Microsoft patents. The OpenOffice productivity suite infringes on 45 Microsoft patents.
Microsoft has already started going after corporations that have integrated the Linux operating system in their infrastructure. The agreement inked with Novell in 2006, delivers corporate users the possibility to buy shelter from intellectual property infringement when it comes to Linux. Microsoft wants royalties for the free and open source solutions that allegedly infringe on its patents.
The Redmond Company's Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer revealed that it all comes down to intellectual property, and honoring such rights. Ballmer has thrown down the gauntlet and claimed that FOSS should live by and respect the same set of rules as the rest of the software business.