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A Fresh Look at Microsoft and Open Source

We at Redmond have been semi-fans of what Microsoft is doing with open source interoperability. Clearly, Microsoft has a Windows-first approach to interoperability and management, such as its support for Centeris, Centrify and Vintela (now owned by Quest), which all do a fine job of helping Windows tools like AD to manage Linux, Unix and other systems (even the Mac!).

And Microsoft's détente with Novell is very real, unlike the deal with Sun which seems to have turned into nothing besides an agreement not to publicly flog each other.

Microsoft critics continue to harp on the flaws, arguing that Microsoft doesn't "get" open source licensing and, as a commercial (read: capitalist) concern, is trying to define (read: control) how interoperability happens.

The critics are absolutely right, but so is Microsoft. It's doing the best it can given the limits of self-interest. But that's just my opinion. Tell us what you think at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on August 27, 2007


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