02.17.07
Novell News, Opinions and Analysis: A Roundup
On the positive side:
Amidst some DST issues over at the Windows camp, Novell boasts an automated solution. It also presents some neat changes it has applied to its SLED/GNOME menu. Meanwhile, talks about virtualising Novell’s Linux under Windows begin to materialise.
Linux-Windows interoperability is the golden promise of the Microsoft-Novell partnership. Working together on open standards and cooperative virtualization hypervisors, the team will give IT shops means toward that end this year, according to Mike Neil, senior director of virtualization strategy, Microsoft Windows Server Division.
Negative/neutral side:
On the face of things, Novell’s Red Hat envy led to actions which were not necessarily fruitful. Red Hat’s CTO claims that his company is unaffected by Novell’s mistake. This aligns with what analysts have recently said. Red Hat also argues that Oracle will have no impact on Red Hat’s pricing
According to Rangan, Szulik said Red Hat is seeing “limited impact” from the new Linux offerings from Oracle and Microsoft/Novell. “Customers are not using ORCL’s offering as a bargaining tool, as feared by the Street,” Rangan writes, apparently paraphrasing Szulik.
Linux Journal offers a glimpse at some interesting facts about the deal. It argues that the sources its reliable. Apparently, Steve Ballmer was left largely uninvolved until the later stages of the deal’s negotiations. Lawyers have done much of the work as they sought a way to control Linux from the inside. There is some more ‘inside information’ in our interview with Jeremy Allison. Let us continue to wonder how some conspicuous bonuses fit the equation.
eWeek gives its own share of skepticism about the deal.
So, does the Novell/Microsoft deal really merit the “historic” label that many have attached to it, or was the accord only so much hype? Microsoft and Novell, your customers are in pain–now’s the time to deliver.
Lastly, Opensuse 10.3 alpha 1 is out. We advise you not to touch it. Boycott Novell to deliver the message that you object their selfish wrongdoings.
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy.
R J said,
February 17, 2007 at 5:40 am
It amazes me that dickheads like you exist.
Oh right, let’s boycott novell because you have a hard on for microsoft. Instead of embracing their agreement and waiting to see what comes out of it, you go running to the hills screaming and crying for your mummy, because that is what dickheads do, they don’t wait to see what comes out of something they just pooh their nappies and go cry.
Instead of making your life useful, and fighting to end child prostition, world hunger, you shit your nappies because two companies reach an agreement that will allow both to further develop their product without the threat of legal action
Man are you in for some tough times ahead as Microsoft are in talks with other linux distributions, so I guess you better start up some other boycott websites. Oh btw, you will love the talks that microsoft and apple are involved with.
Now back to enjoying my experince on Opensuse, which in my view is the top linux distribution out there, but alas, I’m not about to ditch a product just because they become involved with a billion dollar company that gives billions of dollars to charity because I poo poo my nappies like you have
stupid little child grow up.
Roy Schestowitz said,
February 17, 2007 at 7:34 am
I was an Opensuse user as well. Several years, in fact, on more than one PC (single boot). I am assuming that you are new to this Web site. You have not yet followed the developements, let alone grasped the consequences of what Novell had done. Repeating or summarising everything in a single comment is not possible, so I advise that you browse the archives.
A more polite tone/language would have gotten the message across a little better.
Draconishinobi said,
February 17, 2007 at 12:48 pm
@ R J
What amazes me is that people as completely and utterly brainwashed as you actually manage to exist without choking to death on your own drool. It’s alright though … you’ll get exactly what you deserve, whether you realize it or not. (I’m betting not).
Remember, ignorance is strength.