A Penguin in the Orchard

Linux Attacks

As Linux has continued to increase in popularity, Microsoft has called it a “cancer” and taken every possible opportunity to spread disinformation about the GPL. That makes this news from ZDNet a bit surprising. An internal Microsoft memo distributed to attendees of a strategy meeting in Berlin in September states:

“Messaging that discusses possible Linux patent violations, pings the OSS (open-source software) development process for lacking accountability, attempts to call out the ‘viral’ aspect of the GPL (General Public License), and the like are only marginally effective in driving unfavorable opinions…and in some cases backfire.”

Startling, but not entirely believable. It’s highly possible that a “leaked” memo is another Redmond smoke screen.

If we could just get politicians to take this attitude toward advertising, though …