The term "third-party" is quite insulting and derogatory because it makes all vendors other than Microsoft seem like uninvited second-class guests which only complement something greater and better.

In many ways, Microsoft actually views it that way (watch quotes from the Netscape-era Microsoft). And as a matter of fact, with the arrival of Vista (RTM), a lot of software from Microsoft's rivals ceased to function. To make matters worse, days ago it emerged that an anticipated Service Pack actually harms compatibility further rather than mitigate the severity of the problem.

In fact, the Service Pack did nothing to security (Microsoft says this to APC Magazine about 4 months ago) and arguably nothing for performance (call this promises "vapourware"). Many Vista PCs were rendered unbootable as a result of bad patches. It may seem like a case of unnecessary Microsoft bashing, which we will leave to links digests. We wish not to be perceived as ones who take cheap shots at others' misery, so we rarely elaborate on such cases, unless Free software is affected directly.

Earlier this week we added links to our digest about the compatibility of applications in Service Pack 1 of Windows Vista. Novell turns out to be affected as well. That and only that ought to be the focus of this post. Have a look:

Microsoft Says Vista SP1 Blocks Third Party Apps

Microsoft has confirmed that some third party applications are either blocked or lose functionality on machines that have Vista service pack 1 installed, including products from Trend Micro, Zonelabs, BitDefender, and Novell.

[...]

Microsoft directed users to a page on the Novell support website, but the page doesn't contain any information on what specific functionality is affected. Novell couldn't be reached for comment.

“'Third-party' Novell software yet again fails and therefore falls behind.”Why was Novell not warned in advance? What happened to coordination? Microsoft's case of "undocumentation" (that's what Microsoft called it) comes back from the grave of Comes vs Microsoft court exhibits. 'Third-party' Novell software yet again fails and therefore falls behind. How convenient (to Microsoft).

[Going into sarcasm mode] Not to worry. There are always Microsoft applications to replace some of those 'nasty' ones from Novell. They are likely to work better and function more properly, even seamlessly with vertical integration and all. It's deja vu all over again, just as we've already seen in ODF plugins when they fell victim to DR-DOS-esque tactics .

See our previous and fairly recent post about Microsoft as the software police, the BSA aside. With partners like these, it's clear that Novell is sleeping with an enemy. And it keeps insisting that it absolutely loves the abusive relationship (it wants to sell this message to us, along with few of its prominent yet notorious developers). ⬆