If you have a sense of irony, you will enjoy this bit of news. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has just announced that they are considering Linux and Java for a new information technology and telecommunications services contract to replace the current contract when it is finished in about a year. This announcement follows SCO's ugly letter to Congress, so I think we may assume that the letter didn't have the effect hoped for in all agencies:
"U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officials are looking toward Linux and Java technologies as they begin planning for a comprehensive new information technology and telecommunications services contract.
"USPTO officials announced last week they would solicit information from industry on the scope and type of agreement to replace the agency’s current contract for systems development and maintenance services. . . .
"USPTO officials have indicated that they are interested in an innovative contracting approach and in technologies such as Linux, J2EE/Java, IBM Corp. WebSphere and Java Studio Developer."
They say that before asking for proposals from vendors, they will hold a vendor briefing on February 11.