Red Hat brands a Novell-esque deal with Microsoft as 'unthinkable'

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Red Hat has reacted to last week's news of Microsoft and Novell's open source nuptials by heralding the announcement as a victory for Linux.

But the Linux and open source provider was quick to quash any hint of speculation that it may do the same.

Despite the fanfare surrounding Microsoft and

Novell's agreement to enable Linux software to work with Windows by paying a release fee for potential intellectual property (IP) patent infringements, Red Hat responded by quietly posting a set of frequently questions and answers (FAQs) on its website.

"What do these announcements mean for Red Hat?" said the FAQs.

"It means Linux has won. The world's largest software companies are saying what customers have known for years: Open source innovation delivers better software and better value."

In response to whether Red Hat considered a similar patent deal with Microsoft, the company was almost scathing.

"An innovation tax is unthinkable," it said.

"Free and open source software provide the necessary environment for true innovation. Innovation without fear or threat. Activities that isolate communities or limit upstream adoption will inevitably stifle innovation.

"...Anything less would not be genuine. 200,000-plus customers trust our Promise. 80 per cent-plus of commercial Linux customers choose us every day. That's leadership - which respects the needs of the community and delivers the promise of open source to our customers."

Red Hat wasn't the only one to respond less than chivalrously to Microsoft and Novell's pact.

"Those of you who think the most important goal is market share will be happy. Those of you who think freedom matters will want to throw up," said Pamela Jones of technical and legal commentary site Groklaw.

"Excuse me while I go throw up. I gather Microsoft no longer thinks Linux is a cancer or communism. Now it just wants a patent royalty from it. Wasn't that kinda SCO's dream at first? A kind of royalty on every box sold, every server shipped?

"...And this 'patent promise' is only for SUSE, so that tells the discerning observer that Microsoft will likely be suing others. As for Novell, if history means anything, it will end up Microsoft road kill."

Jones added: "...Microsoft is claiming it has rights to Linux, that some vaguely defined IP rights are being infringed. So did SCO. That doesn't make it true. "

Red Hat also used the opportunity to provide details about recent changes to its Open Source Assurance Programme.

The programme will now provide indemnification to protect customers against IP infringement claims.

No additional details have been provided as yet, but the company says it will update its website with further information soon.

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