The Novell-Microsoft Deal

So Novell and Microsoft finally made the deal they were apparently in talks about for some time. The deal essentially gets Microsoft a foot into the commercial aspects of linux use. They talk about sharing patents and increasing compatibility between the two OS’s, but ultimately it sounds pretty shady. Microsoft will be able to exert a great deal of pressure upon businesses who wish to use linux by outlining a “Microsoft blessed” way of doing things. Check out what Bruce Perens had to say.

Here’s what Red Hat said:

“An innovation tax is unthinkable. Free and open source software provide the necessary environment for true innovation. Innovation without fear or threat. Activities that isolate communities or limit upstream adoption will inevitably stifle innovation.”