Objection to RAND

I would like to register my objection to the RAND component of the new
policy.

The sole purpose of the patent approch is to protect intellectual property
and protect against its use in 'undesirable' situations.  This approach is
completely at-odds with the Open Source strategy and experience shows that
this approach will de-rail an excellent intended stragegy.  Take a look at
the Open Software Foundation which set out with good aims, but political
infighting and patent/copywright protection issues led to its downfall,
followed by many years of UNIX stagnation.  The 'OPEN' approach adopted
relatively recently has led to wider take-up of Open technology, and
promotion of the entire WWW standards set.

The only adequate 'non-discriminatory' approach would be to place all such
patented standards into the public domain, essentially revoking patents.

Adoption of Royalty Free standards will guarantee the evolution of better
solutions and an improved industry.  Conversely, non-Open standards will
lead to stagnation, and the possible decline of our industry.

Stuart Gaunt
Senior Technical Consultant
Softwright Solutions Ltd.

Tel:	01753 811833
Fax:	01753 811834
Mob:	07831 808035

Email:	sgaunt@softwright.co.uk
Web:	http://www.softwright.co.uk

Received on Monday, 8 October 2001 08:36:16 UTC