GNU/Linux to Ballmer: Show us the code!
From BinaryFreedom.INFO
Steve Ballmer is at it again. He is saying that GNU/Linux violated Microsoft's intellectual property and patents so we want to see the code. How many organizations will it take to call his bluff?
Sample letter:
I am writing to you to tell you about showusthecode.com. As you may or may not know, Steve Ballmer of Microsoft has been saying for years that GNU/Linux violates Microsoft's intellectual property and patents. I believe it is imperative that the IT community act with transparency and that Steve Ballmer either show us the code or stop threatening lawsuits against GNU/Linux companies and users. Please sign this open letter to Steve Ballmer at showusthecode.com:
"Your repeated claims that Linux violates Microsoft's intellectual property has come to the attention of the Linux community. Not only that, but it's been reported Microsoft has convinced businesses to pay for a Linux patent that you can't provide.
Therefore, this website will serve as a response to this accusation, and within it, a request. The request is simple, since you, Microsoft, claim to be so sure of yourself: Show Us the Code. Show us the Code and Show Us the Patents. Lets make this crystal clear.
If Linux developers are made aware of the code and patented ideas, then the code can be omitted and Linux can re-write necessary aspects of the kernel or operating system. This is a fairly simple request and common courtesy. Why wave around lawsuit threats, threats that will cost Microsoft in a court room as well as the defendants? It lacks logic, especially when you consider that there are developers around the world who would be more than happy to work with Microsoft to resolve this issue. Don't you owe it to your shareholders to work with others to ensure their intellectual property isn't being violated?
Also, we were under the impression you wanted to work with the open source community. That's what Port 25 is all about isn't it? That's what the Novell deal is about, correct? Here's your chance. If you're right you'll silence thousands upon thousands of open-source advocates and make your competitors scramble for ways to not violate your IP.
Linux community members do not want your code. We don't want lawsuits. We don't want non-free code. And much to your dismay, we don't want Microsoft's code specifically.
So this is what we're requesting. We are requesting the support of the Linux community. We are calling out to Richard Stallman, Linus Torvalds, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Dr. Eric Schmidt, Mark Shuttleworth, Kevin Carmony, and Matthew Szulik, as well as any and all developers for any Linux distribution or any company that feels threatened by your non-existent lawsuits:
Publicly pledge your support for Microsoft showing the public the code within Linux that violates their intellectual property by May 1st, 2007.
How many corporations, how many organizations, how many community members will it take to call your bluff, Steven?
We are not the first (1, 2) to request this of you, but we are willing to take it to the next level. If you or Microsoft cannot comply with a response by the date outlined, everyone who endorses this will consider your threats and claims to be empty and libelous. Anyone paying attention to the marketplace should as well. "
Millions of servers and desktop computers run on GNU/Linux and it has an effect on everybody. By signing this letter you are sending a clear message to Microsoft that they should engage in ethical business practices and stop threatening the free software community without legal grounds to do so. Redhat, IBM, Firefox and many others have already posted responses to Steve's empty and baseless threats. Isn't it time you did the same as well?
Sincerely,
YOURNAMEHERE
Contacts:
Knoppix (info@knopper.net), info@pirate-party.us
Canocial (ubuntu) (PR@Canonical.com)
PC Magazine (pcmag@ziffdavis.com)
Debian (press@debian.org)
EFF (information@eff.org)
Wired http://www.wired.com/support/feedback.html
Dreamhost (bizdev@dreamhost.com)
GoDaddy (press@godaddy.com)
ThePlanet web hosting (support@theplanet.com)
Maximum PC (input@maximumpc.com)
