GPLv3 keeps Linux free from patent Issues

Microsoft and the open source, they are always in the battle against each other. The latest results shows that Linux could be growing to much larger extend than it never before due to the mistake of Microsoft. Suse Linux, which one of the best and easily configurable Linux distribution from Novell was the keyfactor in the management game.

Always, the larger portion of erver market share goes to Linux and most of the companies have a trouble in integrating and managing windows, Linux and database servers. So it was important for Microsoft to enter that area and get more access towards the network domain management along with its own products. So they selected Suse Linux, linux distribution from Novell.

Microsoft agreed to pay a huge amount to Novell in return to provide the tight integration of windows and Suse and customer support. According to this agreement, microsoft would not be filing any case against Suse customers for the patent infringement which they do raise against other linux distribution. This was also another motification factor for Suse Linux customers beacuse now they can use Suse systems without any danger from Microsoft.

But FSF found this as biggest threat for Open source which conside Microsoft as a core enemy and decided to renew the GPLv2. Now the current GPLv3 states that if microsoft forms and agreement with a GPLv3 product, then that will be extended to other open source products which support the GPLv3 license.

Novell is into GPLv3 now and Microsoft can not enforce the patent infringement issue against other linux customers who support GPLv3. This is going to be a good news for the growth of Linux. But, still i feel Linux has to go far before it can claim the hardware support for many vendors or saying an operating system equivalent to Windows. Still windows rocks.