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Judge orders IBM to reveal Unix code

A judge orders Big Blue to show all versions of its two Unix products, AIX and Dynix, to the SCO Group.

Stephen Shankland Former Principal Writer
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
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A judge overseeing the legal fight between the SCO Group and IBM over Linux and Unix on Tuesday ordered Big Blue to show all versions of its two Unix products, AIX and Dynix. Although U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooke Wells denied SCO's request for access to IBM's actual code repositories, Wells said that SCO would be allowed "unfettered access" to those repositories if IBM fails to produce the Unix versions and changes by March 18. In addition, Wells ordered IBM to provide all notes and design documents from 3,000 of the 7,200 people who made changes to AIX and Dynix.

During this discovery phase of the trial, SCO also has sought testimony on IBM's Linux strategy from Chief Executive Sam Palmisano and other top executives, but Wells postponed a decision on whether IBM must comply until after the company files its objections.