On the 13^th of January, we reported that a new site had been set up, which aims to report on and encourage interoperability. It now turns out that some interopearability efforts are being curtailed.

There is going to be a postponement of the announced "Building Bridges" meeting originally announced for Monday, so both Microsoft and Novell can get different speakers to answer those questions. I think that's a good thing, as long as it's a postponement and not a cancellation, and I'm glad if they are taking the questions seriously.

At risk of repeating ourselves, this is looking worrisome, according to the following old piece of analysis/advice.

“Consider the publication and execution of a joint Microsoft-Novell roadmap as the critical missing piece of this agreement, with the potential to make or break its long-term value,” the pair wrote.

The companies promised a first roadmap in March. If there’s no document by then, look elsewhere for your next opportunity.