Open Source Not That Open?

mstansberry writes "At the Open Source Business Conference last week, Microsoft's Shared Source mouthpiece Jason Matusow argued the point that open source isn't really open. He said you can't just go changing code on supported Linux offerings without paying extra to companies like Red Hat or Novell. So as Linux is commercialized, it becomes less open. While Matusow made good points during his presentation, many in the open source community are skeptical of the idea at best."

It all depends...

[OSS_ilation]

on what your definition of "open" is. Same defense, different Bill.

Finally...

[Anonymous Coward]

An objective evaluation from the leader in open source.

Come on... Microsoft!??!

I'm sold

[doxology]

It's a Microsoft spokesman saying it, it MUST be true!

in other news

[jzeejunk]

Microsoft software isn't all that closed. There are always open holes to exploit.

Re:That is not true

[Rei]

For a while, I ran Red Hat.

Why is Bob Young posting as AC? Come on, Bob, show some backbone - we won't be that hard on you!

Air is not free

[truckaxle]

Scientist just discovered that air is not completely free! Researchers at Phillips Morris institute have completed a study that calculates the number of millicalories required for each breath of fresh air. This study is demonstrates that the air you breath is not entirely free but requires expenditure of energy and coordination of dozens of different muscles. This study is being release just prior to the companies announcement of a new product that uses a rechargable battery operated turbo-enhanced tobacco injection system.

Re:Supported?

[Mateito]

you can't expect Redhat, Novell or even Microsoft to support your modifications.

You can't even expect Microsoft to support their own modifications.

Re:What?

[Mateito]

Which just goes to show:

• Linux is like Darwinian evolution. The code base mutates and the stronger strains survive. Sometimes parts of version cross into another, analogous to natural selection on individual genes.
• Windows is like Intelligent design. After all, nothing that complicated and intertwined could possibly have evolved by chance.

Re:It all depends...

[Anonymous Coward]

Q: How do you know that a Microsoft spokesman is lying?

A: His lips are moving.

(*drumroll* *kosh*)

Re:Finally... : 1995 - production mail server

[tabbser]

Back in 1995 I had a Slackware linux box running UUCP as a production mailserver. It replaced a rather aging Sun based system.
It was not considered unusual, and in fact the ISP I was using in the UK were happy to work with it.

I have never had a ponytail, and never had blue hair.

I have, however, had red white and blue hair. This was back in the late 80's when I was working days as a software engineer and nights as a nightclub DJ. I hadn't really made up my mind which profession was best.

Back in the 80's the DJ gig pulled the 20 something chicks and software paid the bills, now the Porsche Carrera pulls the 20 something chicks, but software still pays the bills.

I no longer have red, white and blue hair, but do have a linux mailserver. Some things never change.