Breaking News: Microsoft now loves Novell -- Reason To Be Concerned?

My head is dizzy from seeing all the current news about "Microsoft ♥♥♥♥s Novell". Had no time to carefully read all the stuff. What struck my eyes was this sentence:

Quote:

"This is a watershed moment for Linux. It fundamentally changes the rules of the game."
      (Joint letter to the Open Source Community, From Novell and Microsoft)

Sure it could be a watershed.

If it "fundamentally changes the rules of the game", my (mental) knee jerk reflex is: be very concerned.... Is Novell now selling out??

Quote:

"We're really excited about this deal, and we hope you are too."
      (Joint letter to the Open Source Community, From Novell and Microsoft)

Sorry, I don't trust that peace. The contract is for 5 years. Fizzles out in 2012. So what happens in 2013? I'm thinking from the p.o.v. of the Free Software "community". (At the same time, I do not doubt that this new cozy relationship is for the good of Novell's short term economic interests, and their employees.)

Remember: Software patents are evil. And if they are evil, any cosy agreement based on software patents is tainted.

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[UPDATE: Groklaw is more than just concerned. They write (even without my questionmark): "Novell Sells Out".]