Recently, Microsoft decided to empower open source movement by allowing apps released under an Open Source Initiative license to be distributed through its Windows 8 Store. In addition, the Open Source Initiative license is more powerful than Microsoft Standard Application License Terms, especially when it comes to restrictions on sharing applications.
“Apps that are released under an Open Source Initiative-recognized open source license can, at least in the per-release version of the Windows Store, be distributed according to terms that contradict Microsoft’s Standard Application License Terms if this is required by the open source license. Among other things, the Standard Application License Terms prohibit the sharing of applications,” reads Microsoft’s indications.
Developers can use this opportunity to distribute apps at least in the pre-release version of Windows Store. Over the technology websites already started a debate about why Microsoft took such surprising actions. The obvious reason would be that Microsoft is trying to offer a more convenient alternative than Apple’s tight rules that govern admission in App Store. Some suggest that Microsoft is trying to redeem itself after being accused of bullying Android hardware manufacturers, as ExtremeTech website explains.
The strange fact about this unexpected strategy was that Microsoft didn’t make any efforts to promote this open attitude. The technology websites discovered the information hidden underneath legal jargon and The H teams managed to discover first the news. You should also know that Microsoft will make its Windows 8 mobile friendly, so no more Windows only for PC!
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