SCO, Microsoft and IBM, for better or worse?

Several weeks ago, I commented to a few friends and coworkers that Microsoft had to be behind the SCO lawsuit. I didn’t put these thoughts in this space, as time has been my enemy as of late, but apparently, I’ve been proven correct. This is Microsoft trying to kill the Linux “virus” with lawyers, since their products and licensing schemes can’t seem to stop the juggernaut. I’m not so sure this is a bad thing.

First, this is a clear sign of desperation, as is the leaked memo from a Microsoft VP dictating that MS was to “prevent Linux wins over Microsoft at any cost”, even if that means giving product away. This move signals that the threat of Linux is real in Redmond boardrooms.

Second, this may be a true test of the GPL. Since SCO sold a Linux distro for years under the GPL, any violations of copyright law were perpetrated by SCO itself. If this is proven in court, then it means two things. It may lend creedence to MS claims that the GPL is a viral license, but it will also validate the GPL.

To me, the MS vs Linux battle isn’t really MS vs Linux, it’s closed vs open source, David and Goliath. s/linux/freebsd/g and the same debate can be heard, albeit with a more open license. MS acknowledges this itself, since `strings nslookup.exe` has some interesting tidbits.

I believe that this strategy will backfire on Redmond. This won’t mean much for average Linux users, but the validation and precedent will be quite beneficial to open source. If SCO/MS wins, the ramifications are uncertain, but will undoubtedly be an interesting ride.

Either way, we are witnessing the death of SCO, an event that isn’t going to cause many tears to be shed.