Conflict of interests apparently gone

Summary: Steve Ballmers takes a paycut, Netflix CEO quits Microsoft's board, so operating systems policy in Netflix might soon change

Despite its recent openwashing attempts (claiming to release open source code), Netflix is worse than just proprietary; DRM makes data, not just code, closed. The DRM maze and user-hostile facilities are often drawing complaints and Linux hostility at Netflix is another point of contention. Netflix had its CEO at Microsoft until now. This is changing: "Netflix CEO Reed Hastings is quitting Microsoft's board of directors after 5 1/2 years. The departure announced Tuesday will become effective Nov. 28 when Microsoft Corp. is scheduled to hold its annual shareholders meeting."

Well, he's still a former Softie, so no Linux clients for Netflix, only workarounds . A reader tells us: "It works for Android/Linux it would be a small step to get it also working for GNU/Linux..."

But they just won't do it, will they?

"When the technology is clearly already available, and demand is there, one wonders what the real reasons behind the hold-up are," say Ubuntu fans.

Speaking of the Netflix CEO quitting Microsoft's board, Microsoft's CEO suffers a paycut that IDG spotted, writing: "Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer received compensation valued at $1.32 million this year, according to documents filed this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. His total package is down 4% compared to 2011, when he received compensation valued at $1.38 million.

"Ballmer's 2012 pay package consists of a $685,000 salary and a $620,000 bonus. He also received a modest $13,128 in perks."

Things are changing. Will Netflix change its policy? Microsoft has not much clout anymore and Android might soon (within years) be the most widely used operating system. ⬆