[BadVista Advocate] Xandros

[Matthew Flaschen]

Jacob Maynard wrote:
> http://www.ecanadanow.com/technology/2007/06/05/microsoft-and-xandros-linux-make-patent-deal/
> 
> 
> I have a fear that this is going to be bad. Since Novell started it, I
> have a fear that a lot of major distributions are going to follow. Xandros
> just dumped on us, as well.

We've been talking about this on the BinaryFreedom list
(http://www.binaryfreedom.info/mailman/listinfo/independentfreesoftwareactivists).
 My conclusion is that Xandros will back out of the patent deal, go out
of business, or fight the FSF in court, in that order of likelihood.
That's because they will not be able to distribute GPLv3 software (the
exemption applies only to deals before 3/28) with the deal in place.
Going without all bugfixes and updates coming from GNU alone (not to
mention Samba and whoever else picks it up) would be devestating.

> We need some action, people. This trend can't continue, or else we're in
> big trouble.

I agree, but I think GPLv3 will take care of it.

Matt Flaschen