Microsoft is performing a u-turn on its policy of opposing open-source rival Linux by making it easier for developers to build programs which run within Linux virtualisation software on Microsoft’s Windows operating system. The software giant is releasing 20,000 lines of device driver code to the Linux kernel community as the first step in an ongoing project to ensure greater interoperability between the two platforms.
Microsoft is renowned for closely guarding its source code and has traditionally been hostile to open-source projects. Though the move does not mean Microsoft is fully embracing the Linux operating system, which Steve Ballmer once described as a ?cancer?, it is a sign that Microsoft is accepting that many firms use mixed systems. The move also acknowledges that Linux is becoming more familiar to consumers through its widespread use on netbooks.
The move comes as Microsoft releases a plug-in integrating its Live@edu product with open source education software Moodle. The company has also recently said it will not prosecute developers who use its C# and .NET languages to make software for Novell’s Muno platform, despite the many iPhone apps based on the platform.
StrategyEye's related categories: Operating Systems
StrategyEye's related companies: The Linux Foundation, Microsoft
