- From: Asteris Masouras <oneiros@aix.meng.auth.gr>
- Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 22:49:58 +0300 (EEST)
- To: <www-patentpolicy-comment@w3.org>
Just remember the Internet Explorer/Netscape Navigator battles of the 90's, and apply a RAND licensing scheme to the equation. The only reason the Web escaped from the browser wars (relatively) unscathed is that the underlying protocols at that time were Royalty Free, and solutions were offered from third parties that allowed the public to supplement their browsing activities. Had RAND licensing been in effect during that time, it would have been impossible for the large mass of users to meet the upkeep for both browsers, and the Web would have crumbled or split up into proprietary partisanships. Please reconsider: decisions like cannot be taken lightly, they are not reversible (certainly not, at least, if they must lead to the effective disbanding or disablement of the body responsible for drafting them), and their long-term effects cannot be accurately measured or predicted by a recommendation and drafting process, no matter how complex it may be. As a final note, I believe that the application and services level of any technological advance affords enough opportunity for business incentive and entrepreneurship, and is the only level thereof in which said incentive can flourish. Economic regulation on protocols and standards can only bring about it's downfall, in stifling competition and detracting from it's usefulness and accessibility to the public. With kind regards, Asteris Masouras A.U.Th. LHTEE Software Developer oneiros@aix.meng.auth.gr
Received on Sunday, 30 September 2001 15:50:00 UTC