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Microsoft Signs Another Linux Patent Deal

It’s the second Linux pact in two weeks
By Maureen O'Gara
Article Rating:
March 6, 2010 05:00 AM EST
Reads:
 3,565

Microsoft Session at Cloud Expo

Microsoft cut another one of those Linux patent covenants like it did with Novell.

This time it's with Japan's I-O Data Device Inc, whose customers will now be safe from Microsoft litigation for using I-O Data's network-attached storage devices and routers, which run Linux. The deal covers other related but unspecified open source software too.

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Microsoft didn't say how much it's getting paid but made clear that it was.

It's the second Linux pact in two weeks. It announced a patent cross-license with Amazon last week covering the Kindle, which employs both open source and Amazon proprietary software, and - Amazon's use of Linux-based servers. Microsoft is getting paid for that too.

Microsoft's deals for Linux in embedded devices like I-O's include Brother, Fuji Xerox, Kyocera Mita, LG, Samsung and TomTom, the only company it ever took to court.

Published March 6, 2010 – Reads 3,565
Copyright © 2010 SYS-CON Media, Inc. — All Rights Reserved.
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More Stories By Maureen O'Gara

Maureen O'Gara the most read technology reporter for the past 20 years, is the Cloud Computing and Virtualization News Desk editor of SYS-CON Media. She is the publisher of famous "Billygrams" and the editor-in-chief of "Client/Server News" for more than a decade. One of the most respected technology reporters in the business, Maureen can be reached by email at maureen(at)sys-con.com or paperboy(at)g2news.com, and by phone at 516 759-7025. Twitter: @MaureenOGara

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