"We're going to have to figure out how to build some bridges between the various parts of our industry," he continued. "We're going to have to figure out how we can bring the various parts of our industry closer together. Not necessarily in the sense of changing the way software is developed, but building bridges so that we all have the ability to collaborate with each other. And that will mean we will need some new rotations, I think, in how we work together, in how we license, in how we share technology or intellectual property rights with each other."

Let me guess. They'd like us to toss the GPL overboard, perchance?

Here's a suggestion to anyone who takes them up on their invitation and believes this is a true olive branch: Ask them why the EU threatened to fine them this week. What was the sticking point exactly?

And just a reminder: Linux, their number one competition, is licensed under the GPL. That isn't changing. Larry Rosen is quoted in the article, and that reminds me to tell you that his book on Open Source Licensing -- Software Freedom and Intellectual Property Law is now available online.