I% SAY :::
Question for all:
Mono project answers the issue of multi-platform availability. But
slashdot linux zealots have been saying Microsoft could always step in
and enforce copyrights, effectively dooming the Mono project.
What are your thoughts on that?
my guess is that microsoft would probably not
enforce patents, but it might try to do what
it typically does to other standards -- use
them as a jumping off point for a proprietary
flavor. as absurd as it sounds, given that
it placed the technology into a 'standards' body,
what M$ may do is then add on specialized features:
libraries, components and 'hooks' that make their
version have a higher value. that would leave
the OSS trying to 'catch up' to the new features
after having created a 'standard' version.
however, i don't think either of these things
will happen. look at Sun. they have yet
to convert java, their brainchild, into a
cash cow, even though they retain full rights
over the product.
third, while c# may be proprietary, it is a highly
derivative product: basically a java version of
c++. so the amount of control, should m$ try
to pull the reins in, would be questionable.
http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0,14179,2832719,00.html
<quote>
For Microsoft, there are several tangible consequences of attaining
C# and CLI standardization. While the company retains any patents or
copyrights already secured related to these technologies, it does
relinquish a degree of control. According to Secretary General van
den Beld, if the C# standards are ratified, "Anybody can make proposals
for changes, including Microsoft; all changes must be approved by TC39
before they are included in a (new) edition of the standard." Microsoft
Spokesman Steven Lees indicated that Microsoft intends to stay involved,
saying, "Microsoft is committed to active and ongoing participation in TC39."
</quote>
