Underexposed: Open-Source Fans Mixed on Microsoft Move
“I surveyed various companies and individuals about the move and
received some other thoughts unsolicited. Here are some
reactions:
- “Jim Zemlin, Linux Foundation executive director: ‘The world of
software development has been marching in a steady direction toward
being open and transparent. As Linux’s use continues to rise, so
does the demand for customers to enable it to interoperate with
Microsoft products. This announcement by Microsoft seems to
indicate they want to participate in that march. Even if some of
the announced details still seem less than ideal for open source
developers, at least it’s a first step…'”
Red Hat Statement on Microsoft Announcement
“Eight years ago the U.S. regulatory authorities, and four years
ago the European regulators made clear to Microsoft that its
refusal to disclose interface information for its monopoly software
products violates the law. So, it is hardly surprising to see even
Microsoft state today that ‘interoperability across systems is an
important requirement’ and announce a ‘change in [its] approach to
interoperability.’ Of course, we’ve heard
similar announcements before, almost always strategically timed for
other effect. Red Hat regards this most recent announcement with a
healthy dose of skepticism. Three commitments by Microsoft would
show that it really means what it is announcing today…”