10.22.07
New Linus Torvalds Interview Covers the Novell Issue, Again
Whenever Linus Torvalds gets interviewed (usually by the mainstream press because of his high status), we try to dig into his stance on the Novell/Microsoft deal. It’s a case of mind mining. Here is the latest:
The Finnish creator of Linux says open-source software isn’t really an anti-Microsoft movement; it’s just a better model for getting the job done.
[…]
Microsoft and Novell last year announced a partnership for the interoperability of Windows and SUSE Linux. Some analysts are saying this kind of agreement is positive for consumers and can help popularize Linux. Do you agree? [Linus:] I don’t know. I don’t actually think the Novell-Microsoft agreement matters all that much in the end, but I think it would be healthier for everybody if there wasn’t the kind of rabid hatred on both sides. I’d rather just worry about the technology. The market will take care of itself.
Interesting response. He says that he doesn’t know (probably because he concentrates on technical matters). That aligns with previous interviews and he even uses some of the same words here (”rabid hatred” for example).
Pedant’s point: the reporter is asking the question along with the statement “Some analysts are saying this kind of agreement is positive for consumers and can help popularize Linux.” But why? Why does he not mention those who say that Novell’s deal is all doom and gloom? Quite a few prominent reporters have openly criticised the deal, but it is almost as though this reporter expects and craves for a nod with the question “Do you agree?” There are traces of bias here.
It is essential to remember that Linus needs to play nice with Novell because he has colleagues from Novell (Greg KH, for one thing). Here are the takeaways from some previous interviews:
Torvalds on the Novell/Microsoft deal:
- Linus Torvalds Has No “Hugely Strong Opinion” on Cross-licensing Deals (Updated)
- Linus Torvalds Finally Comments on the Novell/Microsoft Deal
- Quoteworthy: the Linus Torvalds Interpretation of Cross-licensing Deals
Torvalds on Microsoft’s patent threats:
- Linus Torvalds Escapes the Novell Question, Dismisses Microsoft’s “FUD”
- Linus Torvalds: Microsoft Can’t Compete on Technical Merit, Muddies the Waters Instead
Torvalds on the GPL(v3):
- Is the Linux Kernel Approaching Acceptance of GPLv3?
- Even GPLv3 Skeptics Have Begun to Realise It Has Value and Appreciate Its Effect
- Google Likes GPLv3, Microsoft Hates GPLv3, Eben Moglen Interview on GPLv3
- GPLv3 Resolves the Apache Compatibility Peril, Gets Alan Cox’s Approval
- Interviews: Linus Torvalds About GPLv2, Ron Hovsepian on the Deal
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.