Technology News: Business

Going Microsoft-Free, Saying Buh-Bye to McBride
October 26, 2009

There was a lot of news in the FOSS world last week, and it seems fair to say that the overall atmosphere was positive. First came word that a Microsoft-free desktop package is available for companies in the U.S. from IBM and Canonical. Then, from the ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead department, came news that SCO has fired its wildly litigious CEO Darl McBride.

Weighing Windows 7's Wallop
October 23, 2009

So how's your head after that wild Windows 7 launch party with the Stepford crew? Still got the spins? OK, if you really did throw or attend an official Windows 7 launch party, then that's ... interesting. I sincerely hope you had a good time. For the rest of us, the official introduction of Windows 7 was a pretty austere affair.

Oracle's Acquisition of Ailing Sun Stuck in Mire
October 21, 2009

Oracle's $7.4 billion acquisition of Sun Microsystems appears threatened by recent developments, starting with difficulties in gaining regulatory approval in the EU and ending with a startlingly decline at Sun Microsystems -- a company that was on a downward trajectory long before Oracle made its play for it.

SCO Tosses McBride Overboard, Continues Flying Lawsuit Flag
October 21, 2009

Unix software firm SCO Group announced a corporate restructuring plan Monday to sever ties with CEO Darl McBride and reduced the company's workforce. The restructuring was designed by the firm's Chapter 11 bankruptcy trustee, Edward Cahn. These moves and other corporate adjustments will help the company continue its longstanding court battle.

Is Big Blue a Desktop Linux Friend or Foe?
October 12, 2009

Perhaps it was sheer exhaustion after all the arguments of late, but Linux bloggers have been relatively quiet over the past few days. IBM, oddly enough, seemed to be the topic of most frequent conversation recently, and on several fronts. "Bob Sutor, IBM's VP of open source, seemed to once again throw desktop Linux under the bus this week at LinuxCon," was how Carla Schroder began her post.

Red Hat Rises on Rosy Q2 Results
September 24, 2009

Red Hat, a software distributor behind the Linux operating system, said Wednesday its fiscal second-quarter profit grew as companies opted for its products amid the economic downturn. For the quarter ended Aug. 31, the company earned $28.9 million, or 15 cents per share, up from net income of $21.1 million, or 10 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier.

The Curious Case of the OIN Patent Coup
September 14, 2009

One of the best things about being part of the Linux community is that things are never boring. Take last week, for example, when some anti-Linux screenshots were leaked from a Microsoft ExpertZone training course for Windows 7 retail salespeople. Money just can't buy entertainment like that.

Microsoft Foes Aim to Snatch Patent Advantage in Linux Tussle
September 09, 2009

Open Invention Network announced Tuesday that it acquired 22 Linux-related patents that Microsoft recently sold to the Allied Security Trust. OIN consists of a group of companies -- including Microsoft rivals IBM, Sony, Red Hat and Google -- that have been girding themselves for a legal fight over Linux.

Sprint Gives Android a Hero's Welcome
September 04, 2009

Android is finally getting a little more wardrobe variety. It's also moving out into new U.S. carriers. Sprint is the latest wireless company to jump in with the Android crowd; it'll start selling the HTC Hero this October. The Hero looks to be a pretty capable handset. It's loaded with Google apps, of course, plus a pretty big camera, a touchscreen, video features, WiFi and expandable memory.

Boom Time for FOSS
September 04, 2009

The current economic recession may be pummeling companies around the globe, but amid all the dire reports and grim statistics littering what can only be compared to a bloody battlefield, one oft-cited exception appears to be still standing tall: free and open source software. That's what the common discourse seems to suggest, at least, and there's some anecdotal evidence to support it.

EC's Long, Hard Look at Sun-Oracle Deal Gets Longer, Harder
September 03, 2009

Setting up a WiFi network at home has gotten much easier, yet the process can still be daunting. Or the wireless signal won't reach everywhere. A good alternative that has gotten little attention involves your electric sockets. Simply plug palm-sized adapters into regular wall outlets and connect your computers to the adapters.

Whipping MuleSource Into Shape
September 01, 2009

Having secured funding from Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Morgenthaler Ventures, MuleSource cofounder Ross Mason turned what was the Mule Project into an open source player on the fast track. Re-invigorated with new CEO Greg Schott, MuleSource has been ramping up its business in the wake of a recession that has gutted some proprietary legacy players.

Google's Curious Chrome Gambit
August 28, 2009

Why is Google promoting two open source operating systems that can both be run on netbooks -- Android and Chrome? Is this part of a larger strategy, where Google will direct the two along different paths -- Chrome for netbooks and Android for the smartphone? Or could the Internet search giant just be floundering, with different groups of techies each going their own merry way with no clear marketing position?

Linux in 2013: One *Billion* Dollars!
August 27, 2009

It's a rare day on the Linux blogs when comparisons don't get made between Windows and our favorite operating system, but when those comparisons take the form of benchmarks, we can't help but sit up and listen. Sure enough, following a like comparison earlier this year, the bloggers over at TuxRadar recently put Windows 7, Vista and various versions of Ubuntu through their paces again.

Court Decision Sets Up SCO for Another Round
August 25, 2009

A federal appeals court on Monday reversed a judge's decision that granted the copyright of the Unix computer operating system to Novell. A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a judge erred in August 2007 by granting the copyright to Novell. The panel ordered a trial to determine ownership.

Justice Dept. Shines Green Light on Oracle's Sun Acquisition
August 21, 2009

Business software maker Oracle said Thursday it has received the Justice Department's approval to move forward with its $7.4 billion acquisition of former dot-com-era star Sun Microsystems. The deal still needs the go-ahead from the European Commission. Clearance by the Justice Department had been held up over questions about the licensing of Java.