[gNewSense-users] Show us the Code?

[Ringo Kamens]

Open Letter to Steven Ballmer

It's come to many in the Linux community's attention you have claimed
again and again, that Linux violates Microsoft's intellectual
property.  Not only that, but it's been reported Microsoft has
convinced businesses to pay for a Linux patent that you can't provide.

Therefore, this website will serve as a response to this accusation,
and within it, a request.   The request is simple, since you,
Microsoft, claim to be so sure of yourself: Show Us the Code.

If Linux developers are made aware of the code, then the code can be
omitted and Linux can re-write necessary aspects of the kernel or
operating system.  This is a fairly simple request and common
courtesy. Why wave around lawsuit threats, threats that will cost
Microsoft in a court room as well as the defendants? It lacks logic,
especially when you consider that there are developers around the
world who would be more than happy to work with Microsoft to resolve
this issue. Don't you owe it to your shareholders to work with others
to ensure their intellectual property isn't being violated?

Also, we were under the impression you wanted to work with the open
source community. That's what Port 25 is all about isn't it?  That's
what the Novell deal is about, correct?  Here's your chance.  If
you're right you'll make thousands upon thousands of open-source
advocates hush up and make your competitors scramble for ways to not
violate your IP.

Linux community members do not want your code.   We don't want
lawsuits.  We don't want non-free code.   And much to your dismay, we
don't want Microsoft's code specifically.

So this is what we're requesting.  We are requesting the support of
the Linux community.  We are calling out to Richard Stallman, Linus
Torvalds, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Dr. Eric Schmidt, Mark
Shuttleworth, Kevin Carmony, and Matthew Szulik, as well as any and
all developers for any Linux distribution or any company that feels
threatened by your non-existent lawsuits:

Publicly pledge your support for Microsoft showing the public the code
within Linux that violates their intellectual property by May 1st,
2007.

How many corporations, how many organizations, how many community
members will it take to call your bluff, Steven?

We are not the first (1, 2) to request this of you, but we are willing
to take it to the next level.  If you or Microsoft cannot comply with
a response by the date outlined, everyone who endorses this will
consider your threats and claims to be empty and libelous.  Anyone
paying attention to the marketplace should as well.


Happy code hunting.  Google Patent Search may help you out.




Should we add gNewSense as a supporting organization? It seems like a
no-brainer to me.
Ringo Kamens