01.31.08
Quick Mention: Microsoft Tries to Hijack Yet Another Linux Event
Money and greed the weak spot of FOSS
Yes, Microsoft wants you to think that it loves GNU/Linux, so it tosses money at Linux events and then gives its own talks with its own philosophy at the events. This is far from new and we showed another example just weeks ago. Here is the latest:
Another episode of the LinuxAsia event is round the corner. Like the last year, Microsoft is there again. Is it appropriate of the most closed company to be there at the event?
Here is a previous story about this event (”Microsoft seems to have hijacked Linux Asia”):
Was the general feel amongst the attendees at Linux Asia 2007; MS however, just wanted to say ‘’let us walk hand-in-hand'’
The same goes for open source programming conferences, including Python, Ruby (IIRC), LinuxChix and so. This “keep your enemies closer” strategy has gone on for years. It does more harm than good because it capitalises on greed and naivety. Just watch Novell taking Microsoft money to work around the GPL and betray so many. █
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.