Re: [Patents] Re: IBM, Microsoft, BEA Snub W3C

[iriXx <iriXx@iriXx.org>]

Xavi Drudis Ferran wrote:

> > On Sat, 19 Apr 2003, Richard Stallman wrote:
> >
> >
> > > I wonder if what we are seeing is an attempt to create a
> > > patent-restricted standard.  If so, perhaps public pressure
> > > is called for now.
[snip]


> Protesting against those who have economical interest in destroying their 
> market (by monopolising it) and no obligation to listen to protesters 
> is wasting time compared with protesting to elected legislators and publicizing 
> the issues.

maybe, but what can we actually do about this monopoly? it is quite a 
concern - given that IBM and Microsoft have patented much of the ebXML 
technology. shades of the Sun vs MS Java story... when one player has 
enough power over the market, whatever they introduce will become a 
de-facto 'standard' regardless of W3C, as Microsoft have already proved 
by distorting W3C standards in Explorer.

what is the best way to protest against this sort of behaviour? i 
believe Sun treated it as antitrust, but antitrust trials are risky and 
expensive. perhaps lobbying for *implementation* of W3C standards is a 
way forward?

bw
m~


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