Re: 8.0.X and the ARC patent

> pgsql(at)mohawksoft(dot)com wrote:
>> Might it be possible to contact IBM directly and ask if they will allow
>> usage of the patent for PostgreSQL. They've let 500 patents for open
>> source, maybe they'll give a write off for this as well.
>>
>> There is an advantage beyond just not having to re-write the code, but
>> it
>> would also be sort of an IBM blessing, great PR.
>>
>> I will be at "Linux World" and see if there is an IBM booth, maybe I can
>> get some contact info.
>
> I doubt they will give us something that extends to companies that sell
> PostgreSQL so I don't see the point.

Actually, I think that's wrong. IBM has been really gung-ho about Linux.
Of course this is an obvious movement against Microsoft domination of the
server market, but they have made some very strong open source statements
and have release about 500 patents to open source projects.

The current open source patents extend to companies that sell other
products, why not PostgreSQL as well?

There is a *LOT* of crap going on with patents, there are so many issues
and motives that is hard to keep track of why who is doing what. My bet is
that it is 50/50. It all depends if IBM wants to hurt Oracle more than it
wants to defned DB2.