Originally posted by: Derek Morrison on Feb 02, 07 | 6:55 am |
The story continues. Yesterday (1 Februrary 2007), Blackboard issued a press release which announced their Patent Pledge in which they undertake not to assert their patents against open source or ‘home grown’ systems just as long as they are not bundled with ‘proprietary’ software. It’s necessary to read the small print. The company has undoubtedly been feeling the heat and equally undoubtedly they hope this pledge will take some of that heat off. Perhaps not. Although the Blackboard site suggests an endorsement of the company’s new position by The Sakai Foundation and Educause, a visit to the actual joint statement (PDF) by Sakai and Educause is advised. It is far from a wholehearted endorsement.
