09.16.08
Microsoft Acquires Novell(’s Direction)
Want a job at Novell? Then learn some Microsoft.
Novell is not only giving up on tools which compete against Microsoft’s [1, 2, 3, 4]. It actively embraces Microsoft’s vision of technology and helps Microsoft in a variety of different ways. Those craving for a job at Novell (whose workforce is shrinking by the way) need to sharpen their .NET skills.
We are looking for people with experience in Linux, with experience building software from source code and good C# or Java skills. Experience with ASP.NET and ADO.NET is a plus.
It seems probable that Novell will recruit a Microsoft-sympathetic crowd, which will then change the social fabric and strategic inclinations of the company. Many of the GNU/Linux-faithful have already left Novell because of the deal with Microsoft. Those who are left are more willing to take orders — so to speak — from Redmond.
SJVN has just published an article where he rightly argues that Novell serves Microsoft better when it’s isolated and therefore can approach Free software projects and communities. He concurs with our idea that Novell is becoming to Microsoft what Citrix already is (and no, we never suggested that Microsoft might buy Novell, but we referenced some “what if” Op-Eds).
Given a choice in the matter, Microsoft would happily bury Linux and open source in the IT trash-heap, but buying Novell wouldn’t get them one whit closer to that goal. That’s one of the reasons why Microsoft finds Linux so annoying. Unlike proprietary software companies, they can’t simply crush or buy it out of existence. As soon as they smashed one open-source company, another would pop up with the exact same software.
So, for now, they’ll work grudgingly with Novell, but buy Novell? It’s just not going to happen. Now, if Microsoft 7, or Vista Mark Two as I’m beginning to think of it, flops as badly as Vista, then maybe Microsoft will start considering changing its way. So, talk to me again about Microsoft buying Novell, or here’s a scary thought, Red Hat, in two years time and I might have a different answer. For now, though, Microsoft is getting what it wants from both Citrix and Novell without buying either one and that’s more than good enough for the boys from Redmond.
What might happen at the end is still unknown, but one comment at Linux Today raises a likely possibility.
MS is just sitting back waiting until Novell relies on them to supply the bulk of their business…then they
will extinguish them.
Until then, Novell’s value (and thus market impact) will continue to diminish. As Joe Panettieri wrote yesterday: “Lack of integration — perceived or real — is costing NOVL business. A prime example: The VAR Guy knows of at least one major US broadband provider that is moving away from GroupWise and other NOVL offerings because the GroupWise releases have more features on Windows Server and fewer features on Novell’s own SUSE Linux.
“The broadband provider has decided to standardize on a complete Microsoft .Net environment with Exchange instead.
“In short, Novell has to become its own best ISV for SUSE Linux — fast.”
Emphasis needs to be put on the word “own“. Novell positioned itself for excessive reliance on Microsoft. █
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.
landofbind said,
September 16, 2008 at 8:34 am
Yes it’s another step in their 10 year plan to help Microsoft take over the world without anyone noticing anything. They even add Java requirements to disguise it. If it wasn’t for your ability at speculation and invention nobody would known until it was too late. Damn you superhero Roy and damn your superpowers.
Yes, if only we had the ability to see the future. If mankind had adopted open source methodologies we might had been able to see the future now. Damn Microsoft and their worldwide conspiracies. They are everywhere. We must fight them. We must create an underground resistance movement
Note: comment has been flagged for arriving from an incarnation of a known (eet), pseudonymous, forever-nymshifting, abusive Internet troll that posts from open proxies and relays around the world.
bob said,
September 17, 2008 at 9:11 am
Schestowitz:
Is it possible for anybody with some connection to Microsoft or Novell to point out flaws in our GNU/Linuax based system without being having intentions to kill free software? I ask this because every action of Microsoft or Novell seems to be about doom and gloom with all intents to eradicate free software from the planet.
I love your work ethic in providing sources, links and quotes but your conclusions are far too hasty in my opinion. Your point of Microsoft trying to kill “Open Source” may be accurate but it’s very hard to agree when your logic only assumes one path.
Roy Schestowitz said,
September 17, 2008 at 9:20 am
bob,
Could you point out the conclusions which you find hasty (here or elsewhere)? We can probably debate this. I see that “landofbind” is still on the assault against this site.
bob said,
September 17, 2008 at 10:00 am
> Want a job at Novell? Then learn some Microsoft.
How about “Want a job at Novell? Then learn some Sun (because of Java).”
Roy Schestowitz said,
September 17, 2008 at 10:06 am
Yes, I agree that this was an exaggeration and somewhat of a figure of speech equivalent. Since 2006/07, however, Novell seems to have had a focus on hiring with .NET in mind. It’s one thing to accommodate change, but Novell is actively developing the Microsoft way. This makes Microsoft stronger and Novell hopes that Microsoft will lend it some of the strength (or money).
Baby In The Bath Water said,
September 17, 2008 at 11:59 am
Only the Mono team within Novell have been hiring developers with knowledge of .NET, the rest of the company hires developers who know other technologies.
Just because all you happen to read about is the Mono group hiring more devs doesn’t mean they are the /only/ group hiring new devs.
Roy Schestowitz said,
September 17, 2008 at 12:06 pm
‘Baby In The Bath Water’,
I will try to come up with more scientific (quantifiable) evidence that shows increase of Mono focus and decline of other strategies. I agree that it need more proof.