Microsoft embraces open source community by joining Open Invention Network

Microsoft today announced it is joining the Open up Invention Network (OIN), a community of companies whose aim is to shield Linux and other open source software from patent aggressors. Past joining OIN, Microsoft will open upwardly more than 60,000 of its patents for royalty-free cross-licensing with other members.

"We know Microsoft's decision to join OIN may be viewed as surprising to some; information technology is no secret that in that location has been friction in the past between Microsoft and the open up source customs over the issue of patents," Microsoft Corporate Vice President Erich Andersen said. "For others who have followed our development, we hope this declaration will be viewed as the next logical pace for a company that is listening to customers and developers and is firmly committed to Linux and other open source programs."

OIN was originally founded in 2005 equally an effort to protect Linux and its users from patent assailment. Today, OIN sports more than 2,650 customs members and is funded by corporate juggernauts like Google, IBM, and Toyota.

Microsoft's determination to join OIN is the latest in its relatively recent efforts to embrace the open up source community. This is besides the 2d major patent-related movement for Microsoft in as many weeks. Terminal calendar week, the visitor joined the LOT Network in another endeavour to protect against patent trolls through a royalty-complimentary patent licensing with the network'due south about 300 members, including Amazon, Google, Facebook, and others.

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