doublem's Journal: SCO License query.

I've gotten a little tired of the SCO FUD against Linux, and as a result have contacted SCO regarding the licensing prices they are claiming. Today, I found out they say everyone who owns a Tivo or a Sharp Zarus owes them $35.00, in addition to the $699 they want from anyone using Linux on a desktop or server.

This is the URL to their feedback form: http://www.sco.com/company/feedback/index.html

This is the request I sent using said form:

This is what I said:

Do I need a license for using Linux?

Do you have any white papers detailing the licensing issues involved with Linux? We are thinking of deploying a Linux server. Are licenses per server, corporate or per CPU? I've heard only some kernel versions are covered. Would it be possible to remove kernel code to eliminate the SCO property and thus have a Linux version that did not incur additional license fees? If so, what code would be involved? Does or will SCO make similar claims regarding MAC OS X or any of the BSD variants? The whole issue is very murky at the moment, and we're looking for some clarification on the matter.

And this is their automated reply:

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To: [e-mail]
Subject: Do I need a license for using Linux?
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Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2003 07:34:30 -0600 (MDT)

This email is from the company feedback form.
-------------------------------------------------

COUNTRY: United States
CONCERNING: Registration

MESSAGE:
Do you have any white papers detailing the licensing issues involved with Linux? We are thinking of deploying a Linux server. Are licenses per server, corporate or per CPU? I\'ve heard only some kernel versions are covered. Would it be possible to remove kernel code to eliminate the SCO property and thus have a Linux version that did not incur additional license fees? If so, what code would be involved? Does or will SCO make similar claims regarding MAC OS X or any of the BSD variants? The whole issue is very murky at the moment, and we\'re looking for some clarification on the matter.

More as it develops.