Posted on May 25, 2011 by Simon Phipps
Having suspended disbelief for as long as I could, my ability to take Microsoft at their word over Skype was shattered today by the announcement by Digium, sponsors of the Asterisk project, that they have been told they can no longer sell their Asterisk-Skype interaction module after July 26. In one move, we have illustrated the risk of a hybrid open source model, the danger of dependency on a proprietary system, a proof that Microsoft still can’t be trusted with open source and an impetus to open source innovation.
All in one announcement. Read all about it on ComputerWorldUK.
Filed under: ComputerWorldUK | Tagged: Asterisk, Linux, Microsoft, Skype | Comments Off on ☝ A liberating betrayal?
Posted on March 25, 2011 by Simon Phipps
As you may recall from my links a few days ago, I actively avoid using Skype. I’ve explained why in more detail over on ComputerWorldUK today.
Filed under: ComputerWorldUK | Tagged: Skype | Comments Off on ☝ Avoiding Skype
Posted on March 18, 2011 by Simon Phipps
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This Privacy International report covers a few of the reasons citizens in surveilled society should avoid Skype. I avoid it for these reasons and more, including:
- It’s 100% closed – design, interfaces, source – so all four software freedoms are absent
- I’ve no idea who is tapping it, voice or text
- It is not possible to add in-stream protection like OTR to fix that
- Clients are only available where Skype chooses to make them available so the full range of tools is not available to us
- It’s turning into adware
- Its use makes users invest less in their own VoIP – lazy loss of freedom by willing slaves
- It can’t be integrated in a general purpose client effectively so it’s another (huge) process to load
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There was a time this sort of ignorant, rigged “research” would have been excusable. That time is well past, and the people involved should be ashamed.
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Pity there’s no option for gift subscriptions. Check out the blog with all the editorial replies.
Filed under: Links | Tagged: Skype | 2 Comments »
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