Samba Project Considering Purchasing License for Windows Protocols
Now that Microsoft has stated that it is prepared to give competitors access to technical documentation in a case heard by the EU Commission, the Samba project is considering purchasing a license.
The Samba project can afford the asking price, which is estimated at around 10,000 euros, says Samba developer Volker Lendecke. "But we need to investigate the legal implications of this step", said Lendecke at the fringe of the Perspektive Open Source Conference.
The project is in close contact with FSF legal expert Eben Moglen who will be investigating the terms of the license. "The step would be a major boost to Samba as regards implementing an Active Directory server", says Lendecke referring to the advantages of the license. If the project detected a deviation between the specification and the implementation, Microsoft would be required to modify its products or specifications. In both cases the developers at the Open Source project expect improved conformity and interoperability with Windows clients and servers.
Issue 243/2021
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Mozilla VPN Now Available for Linux
The promised subscription-based VPN service from Mozilla is now available for the Linux platform.
-
Wayland and New App Menu Coming to KDE
The 2021 roadmap for the KDE desktop environment includes some exciting features and improvements.
-
Deepin 20.1 has Arrived
Debian-based Deepin 20.1 has been released with some interesting new features.
-
CloudLinux Commits Over 1 Million Dollars to CentOS Replacement
An open source, drop-in replacement for CentOS is on its way.
-
Linux Mint 20.1 Beta has Been Released
The first beta of Linux Mint, Ulyssa, is now available for downloading.
-
Manjaro Linux 20.2 has Been Unleashed
The latest iteration of Manjaro Linux has been released with a few interesting new features.
-
Patreon Project Looks to Bring Linux to Apple Silicon
Developer Hector Martin has created a patreon page to fund his work on developing a port of Linux for Apple Silicon Macs.
-
A New Chrome OS-Like Ubuntu Remix is Now Available
Ubuntu Web looks to be your Chrome OS alternative.
-
System76 Refreshes the Galago Pro Laptop
Linux hardware maker has revamped one of their most popular laptops.
-
Dell Will Soon Enable Privacy Controls for Linux Hardware
Dell makes it possible for Linux users to disable webcams and microphones.