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02.07.07
Novell Is Not Losing Linux
 By
David A. Utter
The Free Software Foundation is displeased over the SuSE Linux distribution deal Novell inked with Microsoft, but supposed threats to pull Novell's "Linux license" ring hollow.
Unhappy as they may be, the FSF won't be yanking Novell's ability to distribute SuSE Linux in connection with Microsoft, simply because they can't, and mostly because even if they could make that threat it would rank with the worst of Microsoft's anti-Linux FUD over the years.
The numbers for Novell from the partnership it signed onto with Microsoft could prove a welcome shot in the arm for SuSE's owner. ZDNet cited one analyst's estimates in a recent Between The Lines post:
Citigroup analyst Brent Thill raised his projections for Novell based on the early returns from the Microsoft pact. Novell projected Microsoft-subsidized Suse Linux subscriptions would result in revenue of $4 million to $7 million.
But based on the 35,000 Suse subscriptions already activated Thill projects revenue in the $30 million ballpark. For fiscal 2008, Novell should garner $56 million in revenue from the Microsoft-funded Suse subscriptions. That's up from Thill's initial projection of $25 million.
Under the terms of the current GPL, the FSF has no power to yank Novell's rights to distributing Linux. Joe Barr at the Linux.com website explained why the blowing up of the original Reuters story by Geek.com is so far off base:
According to Brian Osborne, the author of the Geek.com piece, "The Free Software Foundation may ban Novell from selling new versions of the Linux operating system due to concerns over the close partnership with Microsoft."
In the face of such towering ignorance, it may be worthwhile to note:
1. The FSF has absolutely no control over Novell's distribution of Linux. None at all. Zero. It doesn't matter a whit how much Stallman hates the Microsoft/Novell deal. It's legal. It's legit. It's in full compliance with the GPL.
2. GPLv3 is still on the drawing board. Jumping to conclusions about the consequences of its impact on Novell is insanely irresponsible. Any changes to the current draft version of GPLv3 will go through the same public debate and discussion as have the previous drafts.
3. The odds of the Linux kernel ever moving to GPLv3 -- so long as its current anti-DRM and other restrictive clauses remain in place -- is about the same as mine being crowned Miss America. And I don't even know Donald Trump.
"This story -- the meme about Novell not being allowed to sell Linux -- is too stupid to even be considered FUD," said Barr.
About the Author:
David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.
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