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GPLv3 claims victory over Microsoft


ianw1974
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The Free Software Foundation will allow the Microsoft-Novell partnership under the latest draft of the General Public License version 3, because it will force Microsoft to grant patent protection to all open source software developers.

 

More here: http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2191142/...ctory-microsoft

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FSF Releases "Last Call" Draft of GPLv3 (http://www.fsf.org/news/gpl3dd4-released)

Changes in this draft include:

 

* GPLv3 is now compatible with version 2.0 of the Apache License.

* Distributors who make discriminatory patent deals after March 28 may not convey software under GPLv3. Novell is not prohibited from distributing this software because the patent protection they arranged with Microsoft last November can be turned against Microsoft to the community's benefit.

* Terms have been added clarifying how you can contract for private modification of free software, or for a data center to run it for you.

* A reference to a US consumer protection statute has been replaced by explicit criteria, for greater clarity outside the US.

 

More information about this draft including rationale documentation detailing the latest changes is available at http://gplv3.fsf.org; Stallman's essay, Why Upgrade to GPL Version 3, can be found at http://gplv3.fsf.org/rms-why.html. Since this is the "last call" draft, the FSF is strongly encouraging community members to scrutinize the license text and leave feedback through the web site.

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Novell is not prohibited from distributing this software because the patent protection they arranged with Microsoft last November can be turned against Microsoft to the community's benefit.
That's quite the slap in the face. "You're ok because we can use you to our advantage".
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That's quite the slap in the face. "You're ok because we can use you to our advantage".

That's one of the things i've hated about this whole situation with novell. Everyone assumed the worst, and novell became public enemy #1 -- long before any actual details about the deal came out. Novell deserve some respect, they've got some excellent developers there, and are doing some excellent work. And currently, Suse linux enterprise desktop has been the slickest easiest linux desktop I've used. (Yet to try newer releases or Fedora 7, so don't go barfing on about those)

 

James

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