"The recently announced agreement between Microsoft Corporation and Novell, Inc. has resulted in much concern that it could be harmful for Linux and other free software. However, the agreement itself, as well as its timing and comments made by Microsoft executives about it, may actually be a very good thing--and perhaps even worthy of celebration!
"The agreement, which will expire on January 1, 2012, calls for the two companies to work together to build, market and support solutions that will improve the interoperability between their software products and services. Both have also agreed to not assert their patents against the end users of the products and services of the other company. In addition, Microsoft will make a net payment to Novell of several hundred million dollars..."
