Microsoft promises not to push web service patents

SOFTWARE giant Microsoft has promised that it will not assert its rights over patents over 35 of its Web Services standards.

The move is similar to one it issued last year over its Office 2003 XML Reference Schema, with some minor tinkering that will make it more acceptable to the open source community.

Microsoft essentially says that if anyone makes use of its standards it will not sue them, even if they never bother getting a licence to drive them.

According to the Microsoft web page, Volish servitors popped around to members of the open source community to ask them about the wording. This included Red Hat and open source expert Larry Rosen.

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