As a long time observer of Microsoft is simple MMM= Money Making Machine.

The main reason why MS holds onto their IP like there is no tomorrow is because it's a cash cow. No manufacturing goes into IP only a copy/past which they don't need much more then a slightly advanced monkey to do it for them. IP is the best system to make a fortuned.

actually.

If they are allow to write source based on Microsoft documentation, just put LOADS of very verbose comments in the source. That way every one get the information that they without having to see the Microsoft documentation

I Hope some hack nicks the source code and lets it go on the net. Now that would be interesting to read about.

So the Samba team are having to pay Microsoft so that Microsoft dont break the law.....

So they're paying for documentation?

Is there anything from stopping them writing new documentation which can be released under the GNU FDL?

I suppose this way too they can't be accused of using M$ source code in Samba.

Rob