Bankruptcy Hearing Was Cancelled(Groklaw)

Okay, the patent gets sold off.

But, the interesting development is that HP has decided to request all special notices.

Of course this is just wild speculation but my guess is that HP may be interested in buying out those APA rights still held by SCO. And, making a deal on the side with Novell for those copyrights.

Why not?

It was Hp that was originally interested and did in fact negotiate with Novell way back when UNIX was on the table. They did not reach agreement with Novell. But, for sure, HP is still interested. At least I would think so.

The notice from HP does state that HP is a creditor but I doubt HP thinks it will see any of their money. Funny money counts however. At least if you become interested in buying some or all of the marbles.

At least HP is very unlikely to ruin its business by trying to sue all Linux customers. Only idiots do that. And it is possible that HP (if they are in fact interested in buying out UNIX) could work a deal to undertake the potential liability toward IBM and even Red Hat. In exchange for a lower price, of course.

And either Novell or a company like HP could smooth over the rough waters with both IBM and Red Hat if need be. Both IBM and Red Hat know that SCO is just a turnip. No blood is going to come squirting out no matter how hard they tromp. And as you can see with the patent sale, it is possible to buy out company assets free of liabilities.

So it is possible that SCO will sell off the UNIX business and the shell will be smashed. IBM getting nothing. Red Hat getting nothing. Etc. But, I think they have known that for many years now. Maybe Novell gets some cash. And helps put UNIX under one roof again out of the hands of idiots.