Microsoft is on the march. Novell, Xandros, Linspire, hiring Tom Hanrahan straight from the Open Source Development Labs. There should be no doubt that Microsoft has a strategy to….. Yes, to do what to Linux?

Did the Redmond Mogul finally realize that Linux is a worthy partner for the future and is it now investing in strategic partners to guarantee a slice of the future market? Or is this a repetition of the old browser wars with the embrace, extend and make extinct strategy and will the Linux world end up empty handed?

The first agreement with Novell was met with mixed feelings. Novell will have the honor of being embedded in the GPL 3 with it’s own clause. The agreement with Microsoft provided mutual protection against patent violations, coöperation in order to improve interoperability and it gives Microsoft the opportunity for Windows 2003/Suse Linux package deals to it’s own customers.

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