Barney's Blog

Blog archive

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


Featured

  • Report: Cost, Sustainability Drive DaaS Adoption Beyond Remote Work

    Gartner's 2025 Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service reveals that while secure remote access remains a key driver of DaaS adoption, a growing number of deployments now focus on broader efficiency goals.

  • Windows 365 Reserve, Microsoft's Cloud PC Rental Service, Hits Preview

    Microsoft has launched a limited public preview of its new "Windows 365 Reserve" service, which lets organizations rent cloud PC instances in the event their Windows devices are stolen, lost or damaged.

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.