08.20.08
Microsoft Tries Casting “Open Source” as “Open APIs”
“More Open Than Open […] I am constantly amazed at the flexibility of this single word.”
–Microsoft’s Jason Matusow, integral part of the ‘Open’ XML corruptions (further background in [1, 2, 3])
Here we are moving from the “open-source compatible” meme to “(Open) APIs” as “open source”. Microsoft’s attempts to hijack and deform “open source” were mentioned many times before, e.g. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. It’s endless. The same goes for those verbal tricks in the Philippines — tricking developers into getting locked in with “open source” (the Microsoft way) [1, 2, 3].
IBM is accusing Microsoft of deception in the very same publication that previously deceived. A new article, “Microsoft not really following open-source model,” says:
Microsoft has been wanting to get cozy lately with open source developers but a top IBM executive warns that the world’s largest software maker is not ready to give up full control yet.
Michael O’Rourke, Asia Pacific vice president for IBM Rational, believes that while Microsoft said it would open up APIs (application programming interfaces) of its core products such as Windows and Microsoft Office, the company isn’t really “open sourcing” its software.
[…]
“Microsoft is not exactly telling developers that they own the platform,” he said. Microsoft of late has been touting its conciliatory stance with the open-source community.
Unfortunately, Microsoft relies on those who are naive enough not to realise that Microsoft sponsors (even creates) events like OSBC [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. What for? In order to replace Free software with a monster called “enterprise/commercial open source”, which it hopes will run only/better under Windows and will pay software patent tax, even where such patents are illegal. █
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.