07.02.07
Linus Torvalds: Microsoft Can’t Compete on Technical Merit, Muddies the Waters Instead
In a new interview with the father of the Linux kernel, Microsoft does not escape a quick mention that could lead to further discussion. It has been a while since Linus last spoke about Microsoft’s so-called ‘intellectual property’ claims. He now says that Microsoft must have made up numbers. This would not be surprising at all (if true). Here is another interesting thing he had to say:
[Linus:] I really cannot speak for Microsoft. I suspect they are noticing that they have a hard time competing on technical merit or price and are trying to muddy the waters.
Linus Torvalds has also just announced the release of the 7th release candidate of the 2.6.22 kernel.
The patches are mostly trivial fixes, a few new device ID’s, and the appended shortlog really does pretty much explain it.
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.