● 07.23.09

●● More Self-serving, Lockin-oriented GPL Code from Microsoft

Posted in Deception, Free/Libre Software, GPL, Microsoft at 4:54 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Summary: Microsoft latches onto Moodle to create lock-in at schools

OVER the past couple of days we have explained why Microsoft’s Linux code is a selfish act [1, 2]. It is there to elevate Windows sales. While it is true that many companies like MontaVista and IBM contribute to Linux for personal gain, these companies do not persistently attack Linux, unlike Microsoft.

There’s a lot of talk in the press about a so-called “second” GPL ‘contribution’ from Microsoft, but almost nothing is said about Microsoft’s motives. The purpose of the code is to promote an unethical Microsoft programme by a sort of bundling.

The code Microsoft released is a Live Services Plug-in for Moodle licenced under the GPLv2.….the plug-in adds Microsoft’s Live@edu services such as e-mail, calendar, instant messaging and search directly into the Moodle user experience and makes them available via single sign-on.

This is in no way helpful to students. █

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