It has long been the case that proprietary software companies regularly engage in FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) tactics against their opponents. This particularly seems to apply to Microsoft’s statements about free software in general and GNU/Linux in particular. Recently I’ve noticed a surge in the amount of FUD going the other way—from the FOSS community towards Microsoft and other proprietary software companies. Why do we feel it is necessary to fight FUD with FUD

Companies with inferior products are often tempted to create Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. A bit of FUD is an effective leveler, allowing these companies to compete on more equal terms with the competition.

A recent story entitled, "Dearly Departed: Companies and Products That Didn't Deserve to Die" didn't cover Linux or open-source companies. That got me to thinking. So here, without further adieu, is my list of five Linux companies that died before their time.

A lot of companies that are connected to Microsoft increase fear of Free software for security and liability

"Microsoft is back to its old tactics," claims Forbes Magazine as Microsoft not only sues Linux-using companies but also pays other companies that do so

SFLC/BusyBox happen to punish some companies worthy of punishment not just for GPL violations

The attack on the freedom of Linux continues to appear to be coming from Microsoft allies, not Linux companies

Companies to watch out for and their relationship with Novell and Microsoft

There appear to be a few parallels between what SCO did and what Microsoft is blustering about. They are both concerned about their so called ownership of intellectual property. They both threatend the suppliers and end users of Linux with lawsuits and fines. They both made deals with certain companies to exempt those companies from their browbeating.