Toolkit

Story: SAP slams open source 'socialism'

• 
• 

"We all talk about how great Linux is," Agassi reportedly said. "But if you look at the most innovative desktop today, Microsoft's Vista is not copying Linux, it is copying Apple."

http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/dashboard/

...followed by the sudden introduction of:

http://microsoftgadgets.com/

http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/spotlight/

...followed by the sudden introduction of, and then retraction of:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/data/WinFS/default.aspx
(works at a different level, but the userland programs follow the same idea as the above)

The Vista screenshots also bare a striking resemblance to OS X, including whatever integrated browser they're using as a shell now:

http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/safari/
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/windowsvista/images/image002.jpg

These are just three examples. There are no doubt patent lawsuits ready and waiting on both sides.

This is not to say that it's just Microsoft that are at it, Apple are too. Take a look at the old konfabulator fiasco:

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/archives/2004/06/30/cupertino_start_your_photocopiers.html

Everybody's at it. Look at the hundred or so iPod ripoffs.

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

Full Talkback thread