Microsoft is the Surprise Winner in Oracle v. Google
Oracle’s battle against Google has one sure winner, and it is no other than Microsoft.
With Google’s Android tied up in court proceedings, and Oracle, the new rogue in the open source community, Microsoft stands a chance to make it in the mobile market and elsewhere.
Oracle is suing Google, insisting that Android infringes on Oracle copyrights and patents that are connected to Java. Karen Tillman, Oracle spokeswoman said in a statement:
"In developing Android, Google knowingly, directly and repeatedly infringed Oracle’s Java-related intellectual property. This lawsuit seeks appropriate remedies for their infringement."
Google wants to differ. Android doesn’t use Java in Android, however it uses a Java compatible technology called Dalvik. Google claims the Oracle suit is "baseless," and will fight it.
Whatever the result of the suit, though, it affects Google, and helps Microsoft when it t is particularly vulnerable in mobile. Android use has soared, jumping to 17.2% market share today compared to 1.8% a year ago.
On the other hand, Windows Mobile became practically a footnote in mobile, dropping to 5% of the market.
Android’s positive outcome has been prompted by the large number of phone makers building smartphones based on it. Those phone makers, though, may be frightened by this suit. IDC analyst Al Hilwa told Computerworld:
"This is a typical intellectual property value defense lawsuit, but it can have serious consequences on the Android market and its adoption by OEMs."
Friday 13th didn’t sit well for Google, but rather, it may be good luck for Microsoft.
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