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Microsoft and Open Source: Take 2

Those of us who know at least a bit about software development have heard of CodePlex. This is a Web site built by Microsoft where programmers can share and post hunks of open source code.

Now CodePlex has evolved into a quasi-independent foundation where people can share and post open source code. The difference between the Web site and foundation, as I understand it, is the foundation offers more mechanisms to license and distribute the code. It's also a liaison between open source zealots and commercial software vendors.

So why is it only quasi-independent? Because its leader is Sam Ramji, who most recently served as director of platform strategy for Redmond.

Does Microsoft have credibility in open source? If not, what does it need to do? Send open and well-sourced responses to [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on September 14, 2009


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