Google Signs Up as Defender of Linux against Possible Patent Challenge! :) Yay

[misfitpierce]

Great news showing google's support towards linux users across the world. Apparently they joined the fight against the possible patent infringments we apparently break using linux. Good job google! :)

http://www.informationweek.com/internet/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201203579

[Rocket2DMn]

I don't think it will become necessary (I mean honestly, how do you sue linux?), but it's nice to have somebody that could actually provide the financial support to not only help defend linux but to even help it grow in the future.

[p_quarles]

Microsoft doesn't need to "sue Linux" in order for the ridiculous patent-infringement claims they've made to be damaging. Patent infringment claims have the effect of scaring large businesses . . . because it's very easy to file suit against them for using unlicensed software.

And, no, this will not likely happen, because Microsoft has more to lose by disclosing the supposed infringement than does it to gain by suing its own customers. All the same, people who understand these sort of nuances are not the same people who make purchasing decisions for large enterprises.

And, ultimately, this does effect the desktop user, since enterprise is the largest market for computing. In order for Linux to get more attention from hardware manufacturers, it needs the kind of mass demand that enterprise produces.

So, Google throwing its hat in the ring on this one is a good thing. They're one of the largest computer-related businesses in the world, so even executives who don't understand the issues here will be more inclined to pay attention.