"Microsoft wants royalties for open-source software"

[Marc Wiriadisastra]

Francesco Ugolini wrote:
> http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=development&articleId=9019238&taxonomyId=11&intsrc=kc_top
> 
> This is only an article from the hundreds that i found trough the internet.
> 
> Who is scared?
> 
> I think it could really help Open Source communities grow.
> 
> Stop to fight against each other, just follow our goals and our ideals.
> 
> Seneca, a Latin writer, said: "The best ideas are common property"
> 
> I trust completely in those words, and for this reason i will continue
> to trust in Open Source and to help this trough Fedora Project (who has
> in its DNA those words).
> 
> Regards
> 
> Francesco Ugolini

Every now and again Microsoft likes to start a fear campaign that if you 
buy linux or use linux you run the risk of getting sued.  What this does 
is provide companies with a check point to stop and think what if they 
are right.  It won't affect a lot of the users but it will affect the 
corporates.

Sadly until there is a lawsuit people will still believe Microsoft over 
Open Source Software developers. The local guy who installed the 
computer agrees with Microsoft and the developers do not have a store 
front where they can explain that what Microsoft said has not been 
tested in court so it may or may not be true.

The success of Corporate Linux vendors will slowly bypass the comments 
from Microsoft but even then its a long struggle.  I personally believe 
wholeheartedly that whatever version of linux you have if there is a 
company backing it you should support them.  My belief stems from the 
fact that these corporates are advertising linux and its benefits. 
Everyone in the linux community benefits over time and community groups 
usually can't compete with the corporate dollars.

My $0.02

Marc