Bonum Certa Men Certa

Linux-Windows Interoperability is Set Free

For a long time we've argued that Microsoft uses its 'interoperability' deal with Novell in order to exclude competitors and hopefully (for Microsoft) drive them out of market relevance. One sufferer, for example, is intended to be Red Hat, which was supposed to have been left behind when it comes to virtualisation compatibility and/or performance.

News about the approaching availability of an release candidate of Windows Server 2008 brought back an old familiar tune.

Neil showed Viridian running Novell's Suse Linux Enterprise Edition on Windows Server. Novell and Microsoft are partners in building interoperability between the two operating systems.


Here is another article.

Neil also emphasised Microsoft's newly co-operative attitude with Novell. "We've been working with Novell to optimise Linux on our platform," Neil said. "I never thought I'd hear that statement," Intel's James responded.


Meanwhile, over in India, there's a similar message being preached to the media

Finally Advani listed Novell’s advantages in this area including no additional cost per virtual machine and the company’s Interoperability Agreement with Microsoft.


From all the above, one might be left with the impression that unless you choose Novell, integration chaos will ensue. However, it is not the case. It's merely Novell's attempt to distinguish itself using factors like "patent protection" and "increased interoperability". It's about perception and about FUD. Microsoft is happy enough with such messages being delivered because that helps it capture a userbase that it can impose a sort of 'tax' upon (Novell customers).

Novell's so-called competitive advantage is short-lived, however, because the ruling is Europe is bound to force Microsoft to give up its secrets, i.e. the protocols it 'extended' in order to stifle interoperability. Red Hat isn't taking a passive stance either. It has already called for action.

Monday’s Microsoft ruling is good news for open source and proprietary vendors alike. But Michael Cunningham, executive vice president and general councel at Red Hat, believes the European Commission shouldn’t let up the pressure on the Redmond giant.


In due time, other Linux vendors will get all the information they require and be able to work properly with Windows, even without self-punishing patent deals.

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