[clug-talk] IBM bids for Sun

[Shawn Grover]

http://www.thevarguy.com/2009/03/18/ibm-targeting-sun-for-takeover-linux-mysql-potential-winners/

I see another take on this whole thing.  Sun recently bought the right 
to open source Solaris from SCO.  While SCO's right to make that sale is 
in question, the sale took place and as I understand things Sun is 
indemnified by SCO should any legal action take place regarding this.

Now, if IBM buys Sun, does this mean that IBM gets the right to open 
source Unix code?  If so, then AIX will be next to go open source I think.

The question is, do we really want IBM having so much ownership of the 
Open Source world?  On one hand it doesn't matter because anything that 
is open sourced can be forked when needed.  On the other hand, how one 
company plays with the market can have an impact for the rest of the 
industry.  IBM has thus far been a relatively safe bet here - they've 
been open source champions for a few years now....

Then again, I'm just speculating, and do not have all the 
facts/expertise to offer an expert opinion.... :)

Shawn