"Working behind the scenes to orchestrate "independent" praise of our technology, and damnation of the enemy's, is a key evangelism function during the Slog. "Independent" analyst's report should be issued, praising your technology and damning the competitors (or ignoring them). "Independent" consultants should write columns and articles, give conference presentations and moderate stacked panels, all on our behalf (and setting them up as experts in the new technology, available for just $200/hour). "Independent" academic sources should be cultivated and quoted (and research money granted). "Independent" courseware providers should start profiting from their early involvement in our technology. Every possible source of leverage should be sought and turned to our advantage."

--Microsoft, internal document [PDF]

Summary: Microsoft staff installed as head of the Apache Software Foundation just half a decade after the Apache Software Foundation sold out

ABOUT six years ago, Apache (or ASF) made itself vulnerable to a Microsoft coup d'état by becoming financially dependent on Microsoft. Apache has, in some sense, sold out. Our previous posts about this include (to list just a subset):

1. Embrace, Extend, and Apache
2. Yesterday's Microsoft Slashvertisement and Apache's Trip to Redmond
3. Microsoft Starts the Media Charade Ahead of Apache Conference
4. Microsoft Pays for a More Microsoft-Obedient Apache
5. Microsoft Now Tries to Invade Eclipse, Apache (Updated)
6. Glyn Moody, Pam Jones: Apache Sponsorship Likely an Anti-GNU/Linux Move
7. Does Apache Show That Money Talks?
8. Haters of Software Freedom Inside Planet Apache
9. Microsoft's Path of LAMP Destruction: From Novell to Apache (the L to the A)
10. Microsoft Hates Apache, Wanted to Sue It, Now Wants to Ruin It

Apache has since then been trying to pretend it Microsoft would not corrupt the foundation, but readers have sent us links to this new press release asking for money (making the foundation inherently vulnerable), signed by Microsoft's Ross Gardler, acting as "President". The word "President" in the press release could just as well be substituted with the word "Microsoft", as if the press release actually comes from Microsoft. To put it in Gardler's own words, "I work at Microsoft Open Technologies, Inc."

He also represents Microsoft at events and "Microsoft Open Technologies" is basically a Trojan horse inside FOSS, dedicated to derailing Free software and injecting Microsoft influence. It's a shrewd proxy strategy.

This appointment is apparently not quite so new, it's just that the media didn't cover it. Based on Wikipedia:

Shortly after joining Microsoft Open Technologies, Inc. the Apache Software Foundation board elected Gardler to act as President...

Wow, what a timing! Reverse Elop?

It apparently dates back to last year. We have heard from some prominent FOSS luminaries that Microsoft tried to buy them off (bribe) too, either with bizarre job offers or some funding (which some may often accept with or without disclosure). Sadly, not all of them are principled and disciplined enough to decline. Microsoft uses its money to crush its competition from the inside (divide and rule) and it's proving rather effective so far. ⬆