Buffalo buys into Microsoft patent pact

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 16 July 2009 12:30

Business IT - Open Source

Microsoft has signed another patent pact with a supplier of Linux-based products. This time it is with the parent company of Buffalo.

Microsoft has long asserted that Linux and related open-source software infringes its patents, though these claims appear to have been vague.

Nevertheless, a number of companies - including LG, Samsung, and Fuji Xerox - have entered into agreements with Microsoft that ensure their customers are protected from potential action by the software giant. In the absence of any specific claims, the thinking seems to be 'better safe than sorry.'

The latest manufacturer to fall into line is Melco, Buffalo's parent company.

The deal covers Buffalo NAS and router products that run Linux.

"While we plan to increasingly adopt Windows Storage Server for our NAS business, we also wanted to ensure that our open source and Linux-embedded devices had the appropriate IP protections," said Buffalo director Hajime Nakai.

"By collaborating with Microsoft on a practical business solution, we are able to provide our customers with the appropriate IP coverage, while also maintaining full compliance with our obligations under the GPLv2."

Details of the agreement have not been revealed beyond the fact that the only financial consideration involved flows from Melco to Microsoft.

"We are pleased to reach this agreement with Melco Group," said David Kaefer, general manager of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft.

If the cash flows in one direction, how could it be otherwise?