MSLinux!?!?!?

[Ray Simard]

On Tuesday 10 December 2002 11:16, Esh, Andrew wrote:
> Microsoft to offer Linux software?
>
> In a major strategy shift, Microsoft Corp. will introduce software based on
> the Linux open source operating system in 2004 ...
>
> (Copyrighted article, or I'd post it. Here's a link: )
>
> http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/biztech/12/10/meta.linux.reut/index.html

(fair-use quote)
"Microsoft, which has grown into the world's largest software maker by selling 
proprietary software that cannot be copied or modified freely, said it is not 
opposed to open-source software [1], and points out that its source code is 
available to approved partners and educational institutions on a limited 
basis. 

"A recent Microsoft-sponsored study by researcher IDC concluded that servers 
based on Microsoft's Windows 2000 were cheaper to own and operate when used 
for networking, storing and sharing files, printing and security, while Linux 
servers were cheaper to operate when used for Web hosting."

That Windows advantage, if it really exists at all, is precisely the kind of 
thing packages like Samba are eroding. Thank God, not to mention everyone 
helping to devlop it. Keep on keepin' on!

What I suspect here is a classic Microsoft intent to embrace, extend and 
conquer/co-opt/censor. 

[1] Er...Craig Mundie at the San Diego Open-Source convention? Not to mention 
the anti-GPL-and-similar noises from some Congresscritters which sound a lot 
like they've been buttonholed by MS$ types?