[ale] OT: Microsoft moves to comply with DOJ settlement deal]

[Geoffrey]

Fulton Green wrote:
> FUD alert ... the PressPass article I read (available at
> http://www.Microsoft.com/presspass/legal/aug02/08-05settlementmilestones.asp )
> indicates that the APIs will be available at "no additional charge". I'm
> assuming that the "original charge" in this case would be the cost of
> purchasing the Visual Studio IDE and NOT the cost of licensing the
> proprietary protocols.

What I see from this link matches what I see on the Microsoft link you 
provided.  At issue is this piece:

The availability of approximately 113 proprietary protocols that server 
vendors can license and use as a new way of achieving interoperability 
with Windows desktops.

Note the wording 'vendors can license,' meaning PAY FOR.


> 
> On Tue, Aug 06, 2002 at 02:07:46PM -0400, Geoffrey wrote:
> 
>>As usual, Microsoft is doing it their way.  I've left the comments of 
>>the original poster as they have some insight, but check out the url for 
>>yourself.
>>
>>Hi all,
>>
>>This came over a bit ago, courtesy of Computerworld. I strongly suggest
>>using the link within the story to M$' press release. It's rather disturbing
>>reading for a couple of reasons. First, they are getting royalties for the
>>material they release to competitors, etc. It seems to me they should have
>>to do this gratis, given that they appear to have escaped a fine; the second
>>thing is the APIs will also be fee-based, and lastly, there is a digital
>>rights provision in the referenced SPs that allows M$ access to your box for
>>what ever reason! This was confirmed on the list and through the Register,
>>and to no one's surprise, not mentioned by M$ in this release. I cannot
>>accept any argument for IP rights in this case. For the most part it is old
>>technology anyway, and moreover, could almost be viewed as an "accessory" to
>>the crime! Fees my ass. It is unbelievable at this stage of the game they
>>are still being rewarded for bad behaviour, let alone being able to access
>>your machine via some questionable EULA "rights"... UGH!
>>
>>Anyway, read it and weep...
>>
>>
>>Microsoft moves to comply with DOJ settlement deal
>>
>>The software giant plans to make previously undisclosed Windows interfaces
>>and
>>protocols available to developers and competitors this month.
>>
>>http://computerworld.com/newsletter/0%2C4902%2C73255%2C0.html?nlid=PM
>>
>>
>>
>>Jeff
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>>-- 
>>Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric at 3times25.net
>>
> 
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-- 
Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric at 3times25.net

I didn't have to buy my radio from a specific company to listen
to FM, why doesn't that apply to the Internet (anymore...)?


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