| SCO no longer matters |
Nov. 28, 2006
You may have noticed that I don't cover news about the never-ending SCO vs. IBM, Linux, Novell, et al much anymore. There's a reason for that: SCO doesn't matter anymore.
Oh, it's not like there's no news coming out of the courtrooms anymore. There is.
For example, there was a recent story about SCO accusing IBM of destroying evidence by "[directing] 'dozens' of its Linux developers within its LTC [Linux Technology Center] and at least 10 of its Linux developers outside... to delete the AIX and/or Dynix source code from their computers."
Earlier in November, Groklaw published Ransom Love's declaration in the case. Love, founder and former CEO of Caldera, the company that became the modern SCO, said, in brief, that SCO has nothing to its Linux IP (intellectual property) claims.
Groklaw editor Pamela Jones wrote, "Not only does he testify that all of the allegedly infringing material was in Caldera Linux, that Caldera knew it was in there, that it wanted it in there in some cases, and that the company knowingly distributed the files in its Linux products and from its websites, including the LiS Streams module, he explains very clearly to the court that even after Caldera acquired Santa Cruz's UNIX assets, Caldera remained, while he was CEO, 'always first and foremost a Linux company dedicated to the promotion and development of Linux.'"
This is all fine, good stuff, and it certainly deserved reporting. But, it's also old news. I reported on the SCO claim about IBM destroying evidence back when it happened.
And, as for Ransom Love saying there was nothing to SCO's IP claims... well, he pretty much told me that three years ago in an eWEEK interview. Of course, it's different having that spelled out in court in painful detail, but anyone who has been paying attention has known for years that SCO didn't have any IP claims that were worth a damn.
Of course, I, and others like Pamela Jones, have been saying that since day one.
Today, over three years, later and several hundred millions down the lawyer rat-hole, we have what exactly? There's nothing but a rehashing of old facts and disproven accusations, and a failed attempt by SCO's financial backers -- Sun, in its pre-pro-open-source days, and Microsoft -- to slow Linux down.
Following SCO's cases now is like watching a snake with a broken back slowly die. If you want to follow the cases' last gory moments in painful detail, Groklaw is there both for you and me. Groklaw, meanwhile, has become the number one legal open-source news site, and not just the go-to site for SCO courtroom news.
As for me, though, except for the biggest of developments, like Novell's novel attempt to knockout SCO by going for its Microsoft-based funding, and the day I get to write, "The End" to SCO's litigation tales, I won't be reporting much on SCO.
You see, the thrashing isn't done yet, but SCO is.
-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
Do you have comments on this story?
Talkback here
NOTE: Please post your comments regarding our articles using the above link. Be sure to use this article's title as the "Subject" in your posts. Before you create a new thread, please check to see if a discussion thread is already running on the article you plan to comment on. Thanks!
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
news feed