"Linux needs to recognise Microsoft's leadership in some areas to better itself, Jim Zemlin, executive director for the Linux Foundation told delegates at the Linuxworld tradeshow in San Fransisco... Open source vendors have to recognise that Windows is here to stay and that together with Microsoft it will form a duopoly in the market for operating systems. This also requires that the Linux community respects Microsoft rather than ridicule it."

Wow, at least the leadership have some sense, if not their very loud minions below them.

"The conflict pits Microsoft and its dogged CEO, Steve Ballmer, against the "free world" - people who believe software is pure knowledge. The leader of that faction is Richard Matthew Stallman, a computer visionary with the look and the intransigence of an Old Testament prophet."

Very interesting article about Microsoft's battle. But the above quote's my favourite :) I can't say Ballmer looks any better. I just wish Microsoft would get over this patent thing and get on with creating cool stuff - you don't need the money, and innovation comes so much easier when you pay researchers/developers, just see what Apple is doing.

I understand why you apply for patents - to protect yourself when others sue you - but that doesn't mean you have to sue others with them.