Comment 0 for bug 386039

According to:
http://www.novell.com/news/press/microsoft_and_novell_announce_broad_collaboration_on_windows_and_linux_interoperability_and_support

The Novell-Microsoft deal is non perpetual and due to renewal (at the time of writing) in 2012.

While the concrete possibility of renewal exist, this raises concerns about the non-renewal possiblity. In the latter case any Mono distribution (even directed to Novell customers themselved) after the expiry date would be again to considered liable.

The non perpetual characteristic make Mono not well suited for inclusion and Mono development less advisable as its eventual sudden disappearing would force a massive burden in either application porting or replacement.

HELP NEEDED:
- find a link to the current agreement itself
- liason with Novell and Microsoft to make the patent covenant perpetual