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Approximately two weeks ago, Jim Allchin, head of operating-system
development for software giant Microsoft, publicly announced
Microsoft's views of the GNU project's General Public License
(GPL). Allchin has stated that the group's open source programming
model is against "the American way" and the concept is "a
destroyer of intellectual property rights."
(Graphic
by Jonathan Ward)
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GNU (a recursive acronym for "GNU's Not Unix") is a group
that was formed in 1984 to develop a quality, free operating
system. In the GNU's GPL philosophy, the word "free" means
both monetarily free as well as the freedom implied by their
distribution models and goals. According to their manifesto,
the group sees themselves developing software to "encourage
the spirit of voluntary cooperation in its citizen's" as well
as to "better humanity."
The outcome of these lofty goals has been the Linux operating
system. Linux has become incredibly popular as a platform
for Internet servers, end user computers, and developer platforms.
Linux and its derivatives easily rival Microsoft for server
platforms on the Internet, as well as stand-alone networks
around the world. This brings us back to the issue at hand:
Microsoft's take on the issue.
It seems Microsoft fears that open source and free software
could destroy much of their profits. There is some indication
that Microsoft may be lobbying the Bush administration very
hard to take a look at the GPL for legality issues. Microsoft,
long known for its lack of innovation, would love to be able
to use ideas and code protected under the GPL.
The GPL currently allows for only the free distribution of
the software, including the source code. As an individual,
or even as a business, a person is allowed to modify, improve,
add to and even distribute the program code as long as the
source code is publicly provided to other members of the project
and the whole world.
If the government was to suspend the legality of open-source
development, Microsoft could then use software that has had
years of development, a strong user base, and a huge support
network, slap their logo on it and make millions on it.
Rumors have been circling the Internet about Microsoft lobbying
doubly hard recently with the Bush administration on the issue.
It appears they are lobbying for the removal of funds from
public universities who are now developing under the GPL.
They also want to heavily incorporate some ideas into their
next generation proprietary software; something rumors say
the Bush administration might not be against. This means they
could sell something that people around the world developed
for free for the betterment of society.
To counter Microsoft, GNU project founder Richard Stallman
has repeatedly said his inspiration came from the ideals of
the American revolution: Freedom, community and voluntary
cooperation. With Microsoft's recent statements, it appears
these are ideas they are against.
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