Let's see if I get this. Despite public claims to the contrary, SCO has failed to identify what code was copied directly from UNIX to Linux. They then failed to identify any indirect code copied from UNIX to IBM and finally to Linux. SCO then claimed IBM deleted the reference code in question, when in fact IBM not only has multiple copies of it, they have every version that ever was produced in a database specifically designed for that purpose.
It's not for lack of trying that, after many years, SCO hasn't been able to produce any evidence of code copied from UNIX to Linux by IBM or anybody else for that matter. Of course, their primary problem now is Novell claims all of the "license" fees for Linux (based on nothing more than a public claim) are owed to Novell. Furthermore, when Novell sold SCO the UNIX business the contract did not transfer source code copyright. That case is going to be heard this summer. Unfortunately for SCO it's another one of those cases that require proof. If they lose, they will be broke and the house of cards will collapse.
It gets darker. If SCO does manage to dig up proof they have copyright, and they actually dig up the so far elusive copied code, and they don't have to pay Novell 25 million in license fees, where is the pay off? Any such code would be replaced to remedy the copyright violation. Worse yet, how can you ask for money for an operating system that you gave away and otherwise promoted as free? SCO is really Caldera Linux that pushed free Linux for years. The original SCO definitely promoted the use of Linux, too.
Conclusion: lottery tickets are a better option at this point. |
