We would not normally link to Motley Fool, which is constantly dripping pro-Microsoft bias (probably sponsorship as well, based on recommendations, not to mention the footer). However, the points made there ought to remind us why Novell's deal with Microsoft is so absurd. First, consider financial dependence and the need for 'permission' to sell your own product. Then consider the fact that Novell's enemy will be using it to promote own agenda, even if the sufferers are rival companies which were once on Novell's side. From the article [rel='nofollow'].

Mr. Softy Won't Save Novell

After an interesting deal with Microsoft last November, Novell's stock surged 16%. Unfortunately, the boost proved short-lived, given investors' ongoing concerns about the open-source software firm.

In its first-quarter earnings report released last week, Novell announced that revenues decreased from $240 million to $230 million. Novell also posted a net loss of $19.9 million, or $0.06 per share, compared with a profit of $1.8 million, or $0.01 per share, in the year-ago period.

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