There’s nothing that annoys me more* than Steve Ballmer spreading lies about various competing operating systems.

I’ve said before – if Linux (or any part of the average distro) infringes MS’s patents, then show us what it is and we’ll fix it.

The Show Us The Code website is a public pledge to Ballmer to do just that – show the community the supposed infringing code.

Your repeated claims that Linux violates Microsoft’s intellectual property has come to the attention of the Linux community. Not only that, but it’s been reported Microsoft has convinced businesses to pay for a Linux patent that you can’t provide.

Therefore, this website will serve as a response to this accusation, and within it, a request. The request is simple, since you, Microsoft, claim to be so sure of yourself: Show Us the Code. Show us the Code and Show Us the Patents. Lets make this crystal clear.

If Linux developers are made aware of the code and patented ideas, then the code can be omitted and Linux can re-write necessary aspects of the kernel or operating system. This is a fairly simple request and common courtesy. Why wave around lawsuit threats, threats that will cost Microsoft in a court room as well as the defendants? It lacks logic, especially when you consider that there are developers around the world who would be more than happy to work with Microsoft to resolve this issue. Don’t you owe it to your shareholders to work with others to ensure their intellectual property isn’t being violated?

He won’t do it, but we need to make sure as many people as possible realise he is talking complete rubbish.

The saddest thing about all this? It all boils down to greed.

Thanks to Inspirated for bringing this site to my attention in the first place!

* Not even my friends bugging me to keep playing the World of Warcraft trial. 😛