Alarming headlines for alarming developments: an attempt to hijack the age of connected computing while shrewdly using rivals to exclude rivals.

In case you thought that OOXML is the principal and last concern to emerge from Microsoft's Linux deals, be aware that there is more to come. This is not exactly news, but it is worth reiterating and bringing to people's attention.

Having standards accepted and approved is no easy task. By 'buying' the opposition, Microsoft is essentially able to have its technology implemented by 'the 'other side'. It is a case of acquiring credibility, based not on technical merits. Novell has already built Silverlight compatibility -- however loose it might be -- using the controversial Mono. How long will it be before Novell also supports Microsoft's attempt to replace PDF with a format that Microsoft controls? Never mind Flash, never mind ODF.

Be aware of that fact that Novell's work on an 'ODF killer' and a 'Flash killer' is only the beginning. It won't be long before Novell will further assist Microsoft's secret plan to hijack the World Wide Web, as well.

An industry coalition that has represented competitors of Microsoft in European markets before the European Commission stepped up its public relations offensive this morning, this time accusing Microsoft of scheming to upset HTML's place in the fabric of the Internet with XAML, an XML-based layout lexicon for network applications.

Microsoft remains quiet about its long-term plans. It does this for a reason. No company should ever enter a deal that puts the EU's case against Microsoft in jeopardy, promotes a desktop monopoly (XPS, XAML, OOXML, etc), leads to unsubstantiated claims, and fuels unfounded fear. Microsoft has a pipeline of patented technology on the 'production line' for ISO approval. Whether it is more dangerous than fear which Microsoft has spread might be a separate debate altogether.