Microsoft Gives Linux a Virtual Hug

[engine]

After years of hoping to crush Linux, Microsoft is trying to show it can get along with its open-source rival.

The software maker is announcing a partnership Monday night that will make sure its next virtualization technology can run versions of Linux that have been adapted for a different, open-source virtualization foundation called Xen. It is linking up with commercial software maker XenSource to offer joint development and support for the two technologies, which take a similar approach.

"What Microsoft and XenSource are committing to, effectively, is building a bridge" between the two tools, said Jeff Price, a senior director in Microsoft's Windows Server group.

Microsoft gives Linux a virtual hug [news.zdnet.com]

[Alex_Miles]

From the people who brought you SCO..!

[Metaphorically]

Ever read the Halloween papers?

[wmuser]

WOndering if it will lead in any good output for users/webmasters

[gmiller]

Well, if you want to run Windows as your main OS while running a few apps on Linux or the BSDs, then this is good. Otherwise, it won't affect you.

MS just did this because the status quo forced people to not run Windows as their host OS. Obviously not a beneficial situation for MS, although it's not a big deal yet.

[Alex_Miles]

You watch. Give it a couple of years and they'll be extorting us for licences to run Linux on the grounds they now own it.

With any luck that will produce another excellent Stuff Off open letter from Linus Torvalds.

Anyone see that? It was a classic.

[bill]

MS just did this because the status quo forced people to not run Windows as their host OS.

Hmmm. I'd be interested to see some facts to back this sort of supposition up. My stats surely don't show this at all.

I see this as Microsoft reinstating and updating the Linux support in the virtualization software they bought from Connectix. The capability has always been there to my knowledge.

If they want to take business away from the VMware products this sort of support is vital.