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02.24.10 Amazon To Pay Microsoft For Use Of Linux Based Servers  By John Vinson Amazon has recently reached an agreement with Microsoftto pay for use of Linux based servers. The cross-licensing deal is in regards to the Amazon Kindle which will be utilizing the servers. At this time, it is unknown just how much Amazon paid Microsoft for the use of the servers. This story brings up the topic which has made open source advocates cringe; Microsoft being paid for seemingly free technology. The whole idea of Microsoft getting paid for open source software use is nothing new. In fact, Microsoft has made off quite well from cross-licensing deals. This approach to open source is completely different from the days when Microsoft would simply take businesses to court over its use. Laura DiDio, principal of ITIC explains the change of philosophies concerning open source, "It makes more sense for companies to make nice and do a cross-licensing agreement -- Microsoft has come to realize that legal action is often more costly than it is worth." If you find something wrong with Amazon, having to cover its tracks over use of Linux, then you're not alone.
Mike Masnick of Techdirt has coined the phrase 'Microsoft Tax', "Even though it's a straight cross-licensing deal, Amazon still had to pay cash to Microsoft, on top of effectively paying more by licensing its own patents. It does seem pretty problematic, doesn't it, when a company has to "pay" Microsoft (whether in cash or via licenses to its own patents) just to use Linux? Perhaps it's time to redefine the "Microsoft tax." Although this has caused a bit of outrage in the open source community, it shouldn't come as a surprise. Microsoft has feared open source since the term was coined long ago. For proof,refresh your memory concerning the story of Microsoft donating $500,000 to Peru's school system. Did they do this out of the kindness of their hearts, or was it a bribe to keep the government from adopting open source? Cross-licensing deals are a sign of open source really getting Microsoft's goat. It's proof that Microsoft knows fighting open source in the courtroom is a fruitless effort. Much like theRIAA suspending prosecution of single music downloaders. About the Author: John is a staff writer for WebProNews. |
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