[A2k] Open Source and Microsoft

[Anne-Catherine Lorrain]

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In its last report for the US Securities and Exchange Commission (dated 31
July), Microsoft admits the complexity of its links with Open Source
"competitors"...

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/000119312508162768/d10k.htm

Excerpts:
"*(...) Certain "open source" software business models challenge our
license-based software model. Open source commonly refers to software whose
source code is subject to a license allowing it to be modified, combined
with other software and redistributed, subject to restrictions set forth in
the license. A number of commercial firms compete with us using an open
source business model by modifying and then distributing open source
software to end users at nominal cost and earning revenue on complementary
services and products. These firms do not bear the full costs of research
and development for the software. Some of these firms may build upon
Microsoft ideas that we provide to them free or at low royalties in
connection with our interoperability initiatives. To the extent open source
software gains increasing market acceptance, our sales, revenue and
operating margins may decline. (...)*"

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Anne-Catherine Lorrain

Intellectual Property Policy Expert

TransAtlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD)
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