Jonathon Coombes

Newcastle, NSW

Consultant

I don't see why this is even considered at this point based on how software agreements work? Firstly, IANAL, but my understanding is that Microsoft is not being "forced" or "tricked" into any agreement regarding GPL3 here. The GPL3 has only just been approved and is on very little, if any, software project at this stage - it is designed for future projects from this time on.

Microsoft's agreements to date have been based on licenses to date which so far have been GPL2. Just like any other company on the planet they have the right to limit their distribution to only GPL2 licensed software if they so wish. In other words, they can continue to use the older software, but any new software versions which are licensed under the GPL3 will require Microsoft to either accept that license just as any other software license is legally binding, or to not use the new version and stay with the older version of software.

The analogy of the car park applies just as equally in this case to the GPL agreements. Microsoft have now come to the entrance that is displaying the new license details for using the "car park". Now they have the option to "drive in" and accept the GPL3 agreement or try and find another car park somewhere else which suits their business.