Must Have Microsoft or Microsoft Must Have
As a Linux user, it is nice to see Microsoft's policy change in its regard. Like many, I was skeptical in the beginning but that may be starting to change. I still have my doubts but Microsoft is making the right overtures, even the recent acquisition of Gitlab has not turned into the nightmarish scenario envisioned by open advocates. Rather, much the opposite has been the result.
Of course there was quite a bit of defection at first but a lot of that has calmed as the dust settles. Microsoft has began open sourcing, as well. So much so, that it is bordering on amazing.
It's new 'partnership' with Linux and open source communities is not isolated. Microsoft has thrown in with Android as the mobile platform of choice. So much so that one might think Android is a Microsoft product. Google Play is full of Microsoft apps. The Microsoft Launcher for Android essentially turns your Android phone into a Microsoft Android phone. The crazy thing is that it is really pretty cool and it's a great launcher. It has many of the features found in premium launchers but it's free.
Android and Linux related development is in high gear over at Redmond. Microsoft even open sourced over 60,000 Linux related patents. If you don't think that means a lot. just know that Microsoft will take a substantial financial hit as a result. Microsoft's love for Linux isn't something the Linux community expected and they aren't fully convinced.
I was starting to warm up to the idea and even starting to believe Microsoft. Now, I am not sure because now it seems Microsoft is pushing for change in open source licensing. That can't be good. It is possible that it isn't all that big a deal but Microsoft has showed its dark predatory side more than this new, more friendly side. Their predatory practices are well known and they can play dirty with the best of them.
Another reason I do not fully subscribe to the 'Microsoft loves Linux' and open source is Google. They are an open source company. Well, they started as one and have grown into a giant. Google has become more like Microsoft as they have grown. In many ways they use open source, as in the way some use people. They do contribute and contribute a great deal but at the same time they are becoming less transparent, not more. Still, I do not believe Google poses any threat to FOSS or Linux. I think Microsoft might.
They seem to feel that open source licensing needs to be changed so that software is used in accordance with the developers wishes. What? My guess, is that most open source software probably is. If the developer has fears to the contrary they are free to release that software as proprietary. There are several open source licenses that developers are able to use. Why Microsoft feels that licensing needs a overhaul can really only mean one thing. They want control.
The chances are likely that nothing will actually come of this but the fact they even brought it up is disconcerting. On the other hand it could well be an opening shot in a new war on open source and Linux. I hope I am wrong. Microsoft is a huge player in software and they do make some incredible applications.
I use Microsoft OneNote on a regular basis and have come to like it more than Evernote. I have to use an unofficial client because Linux is not supported. Microsoft could make a great partner for open source if they are, indeed, sincere. If they are then they should be less intent on making changes to FOSS licensing and more intent on making great open source software. They could start by open sourcing Windows. I bet the open source community could whip it into shape in no time.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
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