“The open source community responded with wary optimism Friday
to comments emanating from Microsoft that the software giant might
open a portion of its Windows code if the Linux operating system
continues to gain popularity.”
“At the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference Wednesday,
Microsoft President Steve Ballmer said that the software giant is
beginning to realize that opening its source code could provide a
“certain level of comfort” for many users, noting that Microsoft is
“thinking with great interest” about the possibility of making such
a move.”
“In response, several prominent members of the open source
community issued a letter stating that they welcome the
development, but warned Microsoft that half-hearted efforts at
opening the code, and ulterior motives, will not be beneficial to
anyone.”