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