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Red Hat EMEA evangelist Jan Wildeboer came across an interesting detail of Microsoft's developer agreement, and is now bringing it to everyone's attention. According to Microsoft's own Application Provider Agreement for the Windows Marketplace, apps that fall under an "Excluded License" will not be permitted. What is an Excluded License? Microsoft explains in another part of the document that an Excluded License is one that requires the opening of source code and distribution at no charge. Affected are open source licenses like GPLv3, LGPLv3, Affero GPLv3. Bummer.
It is not clear what Microsoft's reason for doing this is. After all, why go to the hassle of proactively banning open software? This makes us think of the recent uproar over the removal of VLC from the iOS App Store. In that case, the original developers of VLC pointed out that the App Store was not compatible with GPL, and had it removed. But Microsoft is going out of its way to keep open software out in the first place.
To be clear, not all open source software is banned. Just those using the licenses mentioned, which is a sizeable portion. Wildeboer also contends that Xbox apps would fall under the same provisions, but we figure open software will find its way there less often. Why do you think Microsoft enacted this policy?
Comments are closed on this article
bpstone
February 17, 2011 at 5:24pm
All Microsoft did was screw themselves. They didn't hurt people's feelings. I don't think a Windows phone was on anyone's wish list anyhow. lol
someuid
February 17, 2011 at 5:21pm
Bummer? Not really. I don't have a Windows Phone and don't plan on getting one. This just signals yet again that Microsoft isn't interested in technology or advancement of anything other than their bottom line. They are not the place to be if you want new software/hardware/features. Windows = stale.
Android is probably jumping up and down in excitement at Microsoft's stupid decision.
ilfipian
February 17, 2011 at 5:01pm
Money. Driving out the various copylefted software creates more market space for MS's crapware you have to pay for. Same reason as apple. They want as much control over the money stream as they can create. Freeware doesn't help their bottom line as they see the world.
