The folks behind the DotGNU Project are attempting to build a free software version of Microsoft's .NET (not an implementation of .NET, but rather a replacement). Addressing the concerns of some .NET critics, "DotGNU will use a decentralized paradigm: No single company, server or entity will control authorization. Secondly DotGNU will emphasize security, it will use encryption wherever possible to keep user data secure and hidden." It would be nice if something like this took off; I'm a little wary of Microsoft's motives concerning the storage & access of my personal data. If a system of this kind can be decentralized and secure, why not make it that way?
...is a weblog about the liberal arts 2.0 edited by Jason Kottke since March 1998 (archives). You can read about me and kottke.org here. If you've got questions, concerns, or interesting links, send them along.