Three Scenarios for the Microsoft Threats Against Open Source

As i mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Microsoft, not satisfied with owning the operating system that runs at least 90% of the world's computers, has decided to talk tough and threaten the open-source movement with lawsuit talk.

CEO Steve Ballmer, renowned for his buffoonish behavior at shareholder meetings and his profane, furniture tossing tirades against Google, has been commenting on how Microsoft has “proof” that Linux, OpenOffice, and even the venerable Apache web server are running patented Microsoft code.

However, things escalated with Microsoft attorneys (tell me that's not two bad words that are worse together) asserting that 235 company patents are being infringed by asserting that 235 company patents are being specifically violated.

Very plainly, this is a case of corporate insecurity. This monstrously mammoth company, stung by the fact that a small but growing number of users are choosing alternatives to its overpriced, bloated, security-plagued operating systems and software. So, let's call in everybody's favorite folks, corporate attorneys, and rattle the sabers.

Obviously, I see this situation as despicable and beneath contempt. But then again, have been an open-source user for years (and typing this column on OpenOffice running on Ubuntu), I have strong sympathy for those who freely contribute to a community of products and their users. Somehow, that just seems more appealing than a lawyer-laden megabusiness that likes to sue people.

Today's FamilyFirst site takes a look at three possible scenarios that could arise from Microsoft's actions. Two are favorable for Goliath, one has him slain by David.

Personally, I'd like to see history repeated, in a way.

Click here

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