05.02.07
Microsoft’s Silverlight for GNU/Linux? Only If You Accept Mono. (Updated)
While many of us appreciate de Icaza’s hard work and dedication, his latest promise might do more harm than good to GNU/Linux. As many of you know, Microsoft wants to replace Flash with its own technology, which could in turn be spread all over the Internet through obedient Web developers. But here’s the snag: now, you see, Novell’s promise and loyalty to Microsoft has the same effect on GNU/Linux as that which support for OOXML had on ECMA and the ISO. Novell helps Microsoft gain power and eliminate open source/competitive threats.
Here is a short article which outlines Novell’s plan.
The Mono open-source project will create a Linux version of Silverlight by the end of year, said Miguel de Icaza, a Novell vice president and head of Mono.
Do bear in mind that, due to legal risks, certain distributors of Linux avoid Mono. Its means that Red Hat Linux, for example, would not ‘enjoy’ the ’support’ of this so-called ‘Flash killer’. Once again, Novell lends Microsoft a hand in Microsoft’s fight against its rivals.
Novell’s Linux is becoming more like a the Windows World of the Linux Universe. There is no reason to celebrate this. If you haven’t much knowledge of Mono’s and its risks, then we strongly recommend that you have a look at the archives. Novell seeks platform convergence where Microsoft sets the rules. It is Microsoft that controls (and owns the intellectual property of) the APIs. Novell is being absorbed by the Microsoft Way, rather than encourage true and open collaboration where industry sets the standards.
Update: In de Icaza’s defence, according to the following article, he called for more action and involvement from Microsoft.
Gutmans and co. believe the best way towards platform ubiquity and interoperability is by open sourcing code. Fellow panelist Miguel de Icaza, co-founder of Mono and start-up Ximian, bought by Novell, called on Microsoft to “give” more.
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.