Microsoft to ease licensing rules for cos

Microsoft has decided to allow other technology companies to gain more access to its software research and code, allowing some access for free, and some for a fee. Previously, Microsoft had made its technologies available only to companies of its choosing on a case-by-case basis.

8216;8216;By making more of our intellectual property available for licensing to others, we will be able to create new opportunities for technology collaboration,8217;8217; Microsoft8217;s general counsel Brad Smith said on Wednesday. He said the move should result in more product choices for consumers. The announcement builds on recent steps that Microsoft took to comply with its landmark anti-trust settlement with federal regulators. The decision comes now 8216;8216;largely because we8217;ve been talking with these companies for a year in the Silicon Valley and elsewhere,8217;8217; Smith added.