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Microsoft donates part .NET Micro Framework to open source
By siliconindia
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Tuesday, 17 November 2009, 18:38 IST |
1 Comments
Bangalore: Microsoft has released the part for internet-connected smart devices of its .NET Framework to the open-source community. The company said on Monday that it's releasing source code for the .NET Micro Framework under an Apache 2.0 license. Microsoft is also creating a community of "interested and involved members to help shape the future direction of the product," according to The Register.
Microsoft's open-source code donation will lack the TCP/IP stack and cryptography libraries. Microsoft said the former has been licensed by a third party, so Microsoft can't release the code, while the latter Microsoft has decided is "used outside of the scope of the .NET Micro Framework." You'll have to use your own alternatives.
Microsoft's embrace of open source follows the company's announcement in May that it was changing the .NET Micro Framework's business model after it announced it was laying off 3,000 employees. The company said that it would kill off royalties from distribution of Framework and that the platform would become a community-supported project. Program Manager Colin Miller said on Microsoft's Port 25 blog that Microsoft will remain actively involved in NET Micro Framework's ongoing development, working alongside the community.
The idea behind the .NET Micro Framework was for internet-connected watches and coffee makers capable of updating you on the weather and your stock while giving you the time or brewing up a cup of instant. But after some initial interest, the idea never clicked.
In an earlier blow to SPOT and the .NET Micro Framework, Microsoft announced last month that the data-network-powering SPOT-based services known as MSN Direct will finally be switched off in 2012.
