The letter, dated 8 January, was published on the internet this week by an open-source lobbying organisation called the Open Source and Industry Alliance (OSAIA). The letter states that the commoditising influence of open-source software such as Linux is bad for the US economy and argues that open source also skirts export controls governing commercial products.

"A computer expert in North Korea who has a number of personal computers and an internet connection can download the latest version of Linux, complete with multiprocessing capabilities misappropriated from Unix, and, in short order, build a virtual supercomputer," the letter says.

The letter, which is signed by SCO chief executive officer Darl McBride, was meant to educate US lawmakers on "infringement issues with regard to Linux", said SCO spokesman Blake Stowell.

By Robert McMillan at Computer Weekly.

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