If you are a corporate user who relies on Novell’s Suse Linux in addition to Microsoft’s OS, the announcement of an alliance between Microsoft and Novell on Linux is big news. Until now, the possibility of a Microsoft lawsuit over use of any of Micorosoft’s technology in Suse Linux hung over them. Not that it stopped most of them, but there is no longer any worry. As part of the deal Microsoft will not pursue any litigation against Suse Linux.
This is pretty much win/win for Microsoft and Novell, but particularly Novell. Since theirs is the only version of Linux covered under the agreement, that is a big selling point for them to corporate customers. For Microsoft, it gets them back in the game with another OS that is gaining traction. The one downside for the businesses is that Microsoft made clear that it will still try to convince corporations to use Microsoft. Get ready for the hard sell.
This is really just a nod to the inevitable. Open source is here and not going away. And while it is not what Microsoft wants to hear, at least htey are a player in the game now.
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