[Sarcasm] Microsofts 10-K – some comments

Interesting stuff.

http://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/000119312509158735/d10k.htm#tx73014_3

“Open source commonly refers to software whose source code is subject to

a license allowing it to be modified, combined with other software and

redistributed, subject to restrictions set forth in the license. A

number of commercial firms compete with us using an open source business

model by modifying and then distributing open source software to end

users at nominal cost and earning revenue on complementary services and

products. These firms do not bear the full costs of research and

development for the software. Some of these firms may build upon

Microsoft ideas that we provide to them free or at low royalties in

connection with our interoperability initiatives.”

[Oh no. This interop thingy and the EU. They force M$ to open up stuff

that then gets implemented in Open Source. Interop steals their revenue!

How dare they!]

“We are devoting significant resources toward developing our own

competing software plus services strategies including the Windows Azure

Platform, our hosted computing platform designed to facilitate the

rapid, flexible and scalable development of cloud-based services. It is

uncertain whether these strategies will be successful. “

[Translated: We invest in the hype but we dunno if it will ever work.]

“Similarly, the absence of harmonized patent laws makes it more

difficult to ensure consistent respect for patent rights. Throughout the

world, we actively educate consumers about the benefits of licensing

genuine products and obtaining indemnification benefits for intellectual

property risks, and we educate lawmakers about the advantages of a

business climate where intellectual property rights are protected.”

[Translated: We lobby heavily for more patents and against open standards.]

“The [European] Commission’s impact on product design may limit our

ability to innovate in Windows or other products in the future, diminish

the developer appeal of the Windows platform, and increase our product

development costs. The availability of licenses related to protocols and

file formats may enable competitors to develop software products that

better mimic the functionality of our own products which could result in

decreased sales of our products.”

[Wow. So forcing M$ to respect the valid laws of competition is painted

as “impact on product design” and interoperability is painted as

competitors are now able to destroy M$ revenue? Remember – M$ was found

guilty of breaking laws.]