Analysts to SCO: No thanks to code review offer
Linus Torvalds likened the fight to a Jerry Springer episode
Analysts are balking at The SCO Group Inc.’s offer to view its proof that there is illegal Unix code in Linux, with one calling the move a publicity stunt. Meanwhile, Linux creator Linus Torvalds today said that he has no plans to look at the code and that the battle between SCO, IBM and Novell Inc. is on par with a rancorous episode of the Jerry Springer Show.
In an effort to convince the world that the Linux operating system was created in part with its Unix code, SCO said it plans next week to begin showing analysts its evidence — provided those parties sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA).
But Giga Information Group Inc. analyst Stacey Quandt said she has discussed SCO’s offer with her legal counsel, and if she signs an NDA, it may hinder her ability to write about it. She could get subpoenaed as well. Quandt called the offer a PR stunt.
“[SCO] should tell everybody what they have,” said Quandt, who has advised clients of Cambridge, Mass.-based Giga to continue with their Linux adoption.
