01.09.08
Microsoft Keeps Its Enemy Closer (and Away from GNU/Linux)
Having a forbidden affair for incentives…
We occasionally discuss Microsoft’s very clear plan to ’steal’ free software projects from GNU/Linux and bring them over to Windows. The OSI ‘invasion’ was merely a first step. At the moment, Microsoft is trying to grab Apache.
I would like to extend an official invitation to the Apache Software Foundation to participate in the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Compatibility Labs here in Redmond. The Compatibility lab is scheduled for Monday February 25 2008 through Wednesday February 28 2008.
While it says compatibility, experience from Mozilla suggests that it’s a case of making Apache more Windows-friendly, possibly enhancing performance and distracting developers from their focus which is GNU/Linux.
Another thing worth mentioning is the Kool-Aid treatment Microsoft uses to lure in Free software developers, bloggers and journalists (a few examples at the bottom). We have been through this quite recently.
I relation to Novell, it is worth remembering that Microsoft has Novell playing by its own rules. Novell supports OOXML, builds software using the .NET framework (Mono), and makes Linux secondary in hypervisors (guest under a Windows host). It s a very similar situation to the above because it puts Windows at a position of advantage, in exchange for the payments Microsoft makes to Novell. █
Related articles:
…the general feel amongst the attendees at Linux Asia 2007; MS however, just wanted to say ‘’let us walk hand-in-hand'’
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.