[PLUG] The latest on SCO vs. reality

[Steven A. Adams]

As I said originally, my post was a digression, do with it what you will
but remember that it was never intended to have a clean fit into the SCO
vs. IBM saga.

Speaking of this saga; I'm sure most of you have heard that Microsoft
has licensed SCO's Unix source code and patents but are we all aware
that many in the IBM user communities are speculating that IBM will
settle this case out of court to save the defense costs? Think about the
impact that scenario would have.

On Fri, 2003-05-23 at 18:28, Erik wrote:
> Normally I'd agree with the idea that the big money will win the case
> regardless of the facts, or as Steve says "the ridiculous against
> reality is an even match."
> 
> This situation has important differences:
> 1. SCO (and perhaps Micro$oft) are suing IBM.  Even if Microsoft
> acquires SCO and sues IBM directly, IBM still has the resources it needs
> to defend its self.
> 2. IBM will vigorously defend its self, and the GPL to whatever extent
> serves IBM's purposes.  IBM is deeply involved with the GPL and with
> Linux, yes?
> 3. The government isn't directly involved in this case.  In the Milken,
> Lay, Skilling and the M$ antitrust case, the government was the
> plaintiff (I'm guessing that somehow Milken, Lay and Skilling have so
> far dodged other lawsuits).
> 
> These differences mean that we have more reasons than usual to be
> optimistic.
> 
> I'm still trying to figure out what the best possible outcome would be.
> I'm pretty sure I don't want Microsoft purchasing SCO outright.  I
> believe the Linux community would be better served if IBM acquired SCO,
> but only after a successful counter suit.  Someone needs to make an
> example of Blake Stowell, Chris Sontag, Darl McBride and the rest of
> SCO's officers.  Otherwise this kind of thing will continue.
> 
> -EcD.