P2P Storm Clouds Brewing

[Seth Johnson <seth.johnson@RealMeasures.dyndns.org>]

(Not sure about this analysis, and the grounds for the
conjecture aren't laid out, but a noteworthy consideration
nevertheless.  I think Microsoft can rationally choose to do
this sort of thing not to kill P2P, but to establish
precedent for content control in a P2P context -- which
translates into a steady toll stream to sell to the content
control interests.  Yesterday, they got the W3C to publish a
standard for XML digital signatures.  Forwarded from DotGNU
developers list, developers@dotgnu.org.  -- Seth)

-------- Original Message --------
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 05:01:19 -0800 (PST)
From: Bill Lance <rrotifer@yahoo.com>

Word is bubbling out of Redmond that Microsoft is working on
a peer-2-peer server technology somewhat similar to the
Virtual Remote Server.  They call is FarSite (nice name). 
Since the idea is pure poison to MS's vison of a MS server
centric future, it seems strange that MS would invest money
and resource in this.  A few careful probes of the beast
reveals their purpose.

MS intends to kill effective p2p technologies with patents. 
Their plan is to develop a portfolio of related patents,
then use them in courts to attack any p2p developments
outside of their control.

Now that we know about it, what do you do to protect
ourselves?  A good, fleshed out 'prior art' reference
library might help.  Any other ideas?

(I find it astonishing the MS can find so many otherwise
intellegent and competent researchers who are willing to
spend their time and energy destroying the very potential
that they claim to love.  We all know about MS management. 
But how on Earth does the moral and ethical rot spread so
deeply into the ranks!)

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