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

[Fulton Green]

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.

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
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Am-info mailing list
> Am-info at lists.essential.org
> http://lists.essential.org/mailman/listinfo/am-info
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric at 3times25.net

---
This message has been sent through the ALE general discussion list.
See http://www.ale.org/mailing-lists.shtml for more info. Problems should be 
sent to listmaster at ale dot org.