Microsoft "poses no threat" to Linux

AN ASTRONAUT and creator of the Linux distribution Ubuntu, has claimed that Microsoft is not the enemy when it comes to Linux patents and could end up fighting on the same side as the Open Saucers.

Writing in his bog, Mark Shuttleworth said Vole will be strong advocates against software patents because it is irrevocably committed to shipping new software every year.

Everytime it releases something new, it will create a potential patent landmine to be stepped on, he said.

Vole is a good target as it has deep pockets, and has no option but to negotiate a settlement, or go to court, when confronted with a patent suit.

Shuttleworth said that Linux's problems are the same as the real threat to Microsoft. Both could face a patent suit from a person or company that is not actually building software, but has filed patents on ideas that the GNU project and Microsoft are equally likely to be implementing. µ