RAND risks to set W3.org out of play

I just learned about the new patent policy of W3.org

A pity that the organisation, of wich I ecpected to bear the banner of the
internet in the future, seems to fall in one of the pits, that I hoped
belonged to the past.

Anyone remembers how IBM fell out of business when they introduced the MCA
as the future design of the PC? The MCA was so wrapped in patents that no
one wanted to stay in that business.

Anyone remembers a company called RAMBUS that played the game on the edge
between open standards and patents? I guess they would play their cards
differently today.

Anyone has noticed the dynamics in the open source movement the latest
years? Do I have to drop some names: Apache, Linux, MySQL?

W3s strenght is that it is on open forum where the best ideas can find a
form that can be implemented. Innovative companies that want to go to the
market, support those standards. The big players don't, did I mention M$??,
but they would not have anyway. Not until they are forced to by the market.

The future lies in the openness. Or you risk that the development and
innovation will be suppressed or take place in other fora. Its a pity to
wast the good work put into W3 this way

Greeting

Morten Borchorst

Received on Sunday, 30 September 2001 19:54:57 UTC