Microsoft's experiment in multi-touch computing is open source

InfoWorld was the first to report that Microsoft has released a new Touchless SDK to help developers kick the tires on multi-touch technology.

But it was TechCrunch that pointed to perhaps a more significant aspect of the release: it's open source.

Released under the Microsoft Public License, the Touchless project is a good example of Microsoft doing its own experimentation around open source. The Touchless SDK isn't a revenue-bearing product, though it could be a way to create products that drive Microsoft revenue, especially given that the SDK only works on Windows today, which could lead to Touchless-created products running on Windows, as well.

Regardless, it's good to see Microsoft doing more of its investigations of new markets using open source. Microsoft was never going to open source cash cows like Windows and Office. But perhaps as it seeks to create new markets or disrupt old markets in which it has yet to hold a dominant share, open source will factor more fundamentally into its plans.

[brightstarbeing]

Microsoft Public License is NOT open source. It's a SHAM of open source. But I guess your headline draws hits.

[modplanman]

"Microsoft Public License is NOT open source. It's a SHAM of open source. But I guess your headline draws hits."

QFT

Please, don't use the incredibly slackened and near meaningless definition of open source, please.

[eksortso]

Don't be cruel, now. The Microsoft Public License IS in fact open source, in every real sense of the term.

This contrasts with certain other projects being hosted on CodePlex that have restrictive licenses. The recent fury surrounding MEF illustrates this nicely.

[losethos]

GPL is not a good license either. That's why I use public domain for my operating system, LoseThos. GPL is for commies.

[odubtaig]

...or anyone else who can't stand freeloaders.

[sholodak]

losethos: I guess you decided to write drivers for your NIC, implement the TCP/IP stack, and roll your own web browser to get that last comment in?

[buggermenot]

sholodak:

Losethos "has no networking, cannot call home. Unplug your network if you wish."

It also runs everything from kernel mode, no user mode available.

taken straight from losethos dot com.