November 2nd, 2006
Microsoft and Novell in Windows-Linux deal?
The Wall Street Journal (subscription only link) reports that Microsoft and Novell are going to announce an "unusual partnership" today:
Under the pact, which isn't final, Microsoft will offer sales support of Suse Linux, a version of the operating system sold by Novell. The two companies have also agreed to develop technologies to make it easier for users to run both Suse Linux and Microsoft's Windows on their computers. The two companies are expected to announce details of their plan today at a press conference in San Francisco.
In addition, Microsoft won't assert rights over patents over software technology that may be incorporated into Suse Linux, the people said. Businesses that use Linux have long worried that Microsoft would one day file patent infringement suits against sellers of the rival software.
I'll post more details when I hear them. Given the long and sometimes acrimonious history between these two companies, this is very encouraging news for people who just want to get work done.
Ed Bott is an award-winning technology writer with more than two decades' experience writing for mainstream media outlets and online publications. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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