From «WinInfo Short Takes» by Paul Thurrott :
Yesterday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced that his company had formed an alliance with SUSE Linux maker Novell and will work with Novell to build "an intellectual property bridge" between open-source software and the proprietary software world. More specifically, Microsoft and Novell are collaborating on technologies such as management software, document format compatibility, and virtualization and are working together to market a collaborative solution that will let enterprises combine Windows- and Linux-based servers in ways that are today difficult or impossible.
This "embrace" of Linux is, however, purely a pragmatic business decision. Parts of Microsoft, no doubt, still believe that Linux is Evil (with a capital E) and that its own solutions are better. The problem is that many of its customers actually own mixed environments now due to company purchases and mergers, and it makes sense for Microsoft to facilitate interoperability.
Frankly, most individuals will never see or understand the fruits of this relationship, and it's unclear to me how long Microsoft and SUSE will remain in bed together. (For example, if they succeed in knocking Red Hat Linux off its current perch atop the Linux world, will Microsoft lose interest in ailing Novell? My guess is yes.)
Official Press Release:
Microsoft and Novell Announce Broad Collaboration on Windows and Linux Interoperability and Support
