| Introduction to Shared Source |
(continually updated)
"The Microsoft Shared Source Initiative is a balanced approach that makes source code more broadly available while preserving the intellectual property rights that sustain a strong software business. The Shared Source Initiative framework supports a spectrum of programs and licenses offered by Microsoft to customers, partners, developers, academicians and other interested individuals." -- excerpt from Microsoft Shared Source Initiative overview (listed below
In this exclusive WindowsForDevices.com "Hot Topic" article, we bring together links to news, information, and resources relating to Microsoft's "Shared Source" initiative . . .
Background information
- Understanding Microsoft's new, simplified Shared Source licenses -- Oct. 19, 2005 -- a description of the newly released shared source licenses, including sections on the Microsoft Permissive License (Ms-PL) Microsoft Permissive License (Ms-PL), Microsoft Community License (Ms-CL), Microsoft Community License (Ms-CL), Microsoft Reference License (Ms-RL), and Microsoft Reference License (Ms-RL).
- An overview of Microsoft's Shared Source Initiative -- Feb. 17, 2005 -- an introduction to Microsoft's Shared Source licensing program, including a list of key resources for obtaining additional program information about Shared Source licensing from Microsoft.
- Windows CE Source Code access and availability -- this page on Microsoft's website defines the available Windows Shared Source licenses, and tracks Windows CE-related source code that is currently released under Shared Source.
Media coverage, news, and announcements
- Microsoft seeks OSI's approval of Shared Source -- July 27, 2007 -- Microsoft says it will submit one or more of its Shared Source licenses to the Open Source Initiative (OSI) for review and approval as open source licenses. The move represents a major shift in strategy for the company, which has previously refused to seek any such approval.
- Windows CE 6 arrives with 100% kernel source -- Nov. 1, 2006 -- Microsoft launched "Windows Embedded CE 6.0" today, touting kernel architecture enhancements, new software stacks targeting three high-volume device categories, enhanced development tools, and, for the first time, 100 percent availability of Windows CE's kernel source code.
- Introducing the June 2006 Windows CE Shared Source Contest -- May 23, 2006 -- The first-ever coding contest focused on software from Microsoft's Shared Source initiative kicked off May 23. The competition, sponsored by Microsoft and hosted by WindowsForDevices.com, challenges developers to use Windows CE Shared Source in a real-world project, and offers Xbox 360 game console prizes.
- Free add-on outfits Windows CE for DVRs, IP-STBs -- Apr. 4, 2006 -- Microsoft has released a Windows CE add-on intended to simplify the development of next-generation DVRs (digital video recorders) and IP STBs (Internet protocol set-top boxes). The free "Networked Media Device Feature Pack" includes NMD middleware, DVR engine, and sample UI software that is released as Shared Source.
- Windows CE webcam driver released as Shared Source -- Mar. 1, 2006 -- A group of developers, including some from within Microsoft, has collaboratively created a Windows CE 5.0 USB Webcam driver and released it under a Microsoft Shared Source license. This is the first shared source community project involving Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Devices group, according to Microsoft.
- Microsoft overhauls, simplifies Shared Source licenses -- Oct. 19, 2005 -- Microsoft announced a substantial simplification of its Shared Source licensing process for future Shared Source code releases, based on experience gained through its Shared Source initiative over the past several years. The company trimmed the more than ten existing licensing models to just three simplified licenses, plus a couple of variations.
- Microsoft eases "shared source" restrictions -- Jun. 28, 2004 -- In an effort to help device makers differentiate their products and innovate, Microsoft has eliminated many restrictions on the use of the "shared source" license for its Windows CE operating system. The change, which accompanied the impending full release of Windows CE 5.0, counters competition from Linux and is likely to expand Microsoft's slice of the roughly $1B embedded OS market pie.
- Microsoft's shared source community grows to 1 million -- Mar. 15, 2004 -- Microsoft announced that its Shared Source community has now surpassed 1 million participants, including customers, governments, partners, academics, and individuals.
- Microsoft opens up desktop/server Windows source to MVPs -- Oct. 22, 2003 -- Microsoft launched an added program in its Shared Source Initiative, aimed at the company's "MVPs" (Most Valuable Professionals). The new shared source licensing program, known as the Most Valuable Professional Source Licensing Program (MVPSLP), makes additional source code available to MVPs -- including Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 source -- in order to enable them to better assist online and offline technical communities.
- Insight into Microsoft's shared source strategy -- Oct. 07, 2003 -- An article at ComputerWorld takes a look at Microsoft's shared "source program," and compares it with "open source." The article, titled "Microsoft finds inspiration in freeware world," reports on comments from Jason Matusow, Microsoft's shared source manager, who "makes it plain that the company has been inspired and influenced by the free software movement." The article summarizes the various Microsoft shared source licenses, explains their intentions, and provides some insight from Matusow into Microsoft's shared source strategy and tactics.
- Microsoft launches first "Shared Platforms" program -- Jun. 02, 2003 -- Microsoft launched a further expansion of its Shared Source initiative: a "Shared Platforms" initiative which allows, for the first time, the "non-commercial" sharing of Windows CE "platforms" and "runtimes." Previously, only CE sources could be shared. The earlier sharing program, via the Shared Source License for Microsoft Windows CE, does not permit the sharing of binary (executable) image files. In contrast, the new Shared Platforms program allows complete, executable modified OS images to be shared.
- Can you modify and use Pocket PC source code? -- Apr. 16, 2003 -- The Register questions the relationship between Windows CE and Pocket PC, in light of Microsoft's recent move to open up Windows CE source code to developers for modification. Microsoft has subsequently clarified that the two offerings are separate, and that Pocket PC is not covered by the new "CEP" program that allows commercial use and distribution of Windows CE derivative works, the article notes.
- Microsoft grants "full access" to Windows CE source -- Apr. 09, 2003 -- Microsoft announced the first source code sharing program for its Windows CE embedded OS that allows developers and manufacturers to actually redistribute modified OS code in real products. Previously, the commercial use of Windows CE source code was essentially restricted to technical support purposes only, in that developers could use the code to solve problems and understand how to work within the capabilities of the OS, but were not permitted to employ modified Windows CE code to fix bugs, add functions, or tune the OS to tight resource constraints. Under the terms of a new "premium" shared source license, Microsoft now allows silicon vendors and systems integrators "full access" to Windows CE source code, including rights to redistribute modified code within commercial products.
- Microsoft expands source code sharing initiative -- May 01, 2001 -- Microsoft announced steps to give its customers, partners and developers greater access to its source code -- the core building blocks of Windows and other software products -- while safeguarding the intellectual property that will allow it to remain innovative and successful. Microsoft announced the licensing of Windows CE source code through Platform Builder 3.0 (generally available to all developers), and and that it would offer academic site licenses for CE source code. Microsoft also announced an expanded level of CE source access to leading silicon vendor partners via the Windows Embedded Strategic Silicon Alliance program, and to leading system integrator partners via the Innovation Alliance Program.
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