Microsoft does a Linux deal… of sorts
Microsoft has signed a rare deal with a major distributor of Linux-based operating systems. But the agreement is far from the software giant embracing open source software.
The deal is with Red Hat, arguably the leading distributor of open source systems among business users. The two companies have agreed to work together to ensure their respective hypervisor software packages work on each other’s systems.
A hypervisor is a package allowing users to run more than one operating system on the same machine. It could, for example, be used by a business which wants to run a corporate network on Linux but needs to run some Windows software without the incompatibility risks that come from Windows emulators.
As part of the agreement, customers using hypervisors will be able to approach either firm for technical support rather than have to run the gauntlet of each firm saying the other is responsible. The two firms have also vowed to work together on particular support issues where that’s the only way to resolve a problem.
The most surprising aspect of the deal is that it makes no reference to intellectual property issues. Microsoft maintains some Linux-based technologies infringe on its patents and in previous similar deals has insisted the partner firm make a formal agreement to license Windows technology.
The deal won’t see any money change hands other than the standard fees each firm charges to test and validate applications for its system.
According to representatives of both firms, speaking in a webcast, the deal follows pressure from customers and software producers to reduce support hassles in using both systems. The two sides believe hypervisor packages will soon become widely used in data centers and that the support deal will help this expansion.
There’s no specific timetable for the deal: both sides will test and validate the other’s products at their own pace.
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