Samba specialist SerNet claims specifications from MS
SerNet claimed the protocol specifications from Microsoft in order to enhance the open source software and make it interoperable.
Two weeks ago, the European Supreme Court denied a claim by Microsoft and confirmed a prior judgement by the European Commission. Besides a fine of 497 million euros, the concern was forced to publish the specification of its software to other providers to enable them to customise their products for better support of the Microsoft operating system. Samba service provider SerNet is basing its claim for disclosure of the specification by January 15 2008 on the judgement with the aim of improving Samba interoperability with Windows. The deadline set by SerNet is oriented on the 120 days which Microsoft was granted for compliance by the court.
Samba is free software that makes the Server Message Block protocol available to Linux and Unix systems giving them the ability to emulate the functionality of a Windows server. Right now, the Samba team is working on software that will improve the interoperability of Samba servers with Windows servers and Active Directory. A subproject dubbed “samba4AD” is aiming to develop an Active Directory Server on Samba for which the MS protocol specifications are be required.
SerNet is one of the major players in the international Samba project and thus assumed the role of spokesperson: "In this coherence it is important to be able to develop the Samba under GPL Version 3." says Loxen. He does not consider the licensing offered by Microsoft (MCPP and WSPP) to be practicable for the Open Source project. Besides that it would not be compatible with the GPL v3, according to Loxen.
Microsoft has publically distanced itself from GPL v3 and declared the policies and procedures to be invalid as a precaution. In contrast to this, the Samba team moved to the new GPL license shortly after its introduction and, at the same time, condemned the patent agreements between Microsoft and several Linux distributors. Due to this, the SerNet CEO does not expect a solution in near future: "If Microsoft offers a license contract that is incompatible with the GPL v3, the specifications would not help us at all." said Loxen in an interview with Linux Magazine online.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.