[wplug] What's Novell up to?

[Dave Neuer]

--- redtoade <redtoade at yahoo.com> wrote:
> > If SCO loses, they're just another Linux vendor,
> > which
> > isn't neccessarily a bad thing to be (they already
> > do
> > a lot w/ Linux in their latest version Netware
> > products, I believe).
> 
> SCO simply doesn't have the financial resources to
> remain viable for THAT long.  I've read the rumors
> about Microsoft funding them $250 million and what
> not, but even so... you're talking a full court
> press
> on IBM, defense strategies on every countersuit
> brought about by every Linux company/organization
> that
> received a "pay license" note (including big blue)
> and
> then possible counter-counter suits, etc...
> 
> No way.  SCO knows they only have a few months to
> live.  At this rate I'd be surprised if they're
> forcasting keeping their doors open past the end of
> the fiscal year.

OK. First, just so we're clear, the they I was
referring to when I said "If SCO loses, they're just
another Linux vendor" was Novell, not SCO.

That said, remember, not only Microsoft, but also Sun
has now bought a license from SCO. There is no reason
to assume that they will receive NO new licensees
beyond those two. Additionally, SCO has now said that
they want $25 (I believe) for all devices shipped w/
embedded Linux. For some small embedded device
manufacturer, this may be better than the threat of a
lawsuit which they don't have the pockets to fight
(even if SCO ends up losing every suit regarding IP
and Linux).

And, with their stock price rising, it also stands to
reason that some speculating VC may decide to bet on
SCO winning (especially now that they have got the
copyrights for Sys V) and give them an infusion of
cash.

So, I certainly think it's possible that SCO will
either a) be "able to keep its doors open" while the
litigation is pending, or; b) sell their IP assets
(whatever these may be; buyer beware) to some larger
company who can.

Dave