Microsoft opens up to open-source community

the_technocratthe_technocrat IC-MotY1Indy Icrontian
edited February 2008 in Science & Tech
Microsoft has announced today that it will:

* make available over 30,000 pages of its software trade secrets
* offer wide patent licenses on a wide range of MS patents
* work to ensure open connections between its software and others
* promote data portability
* enhance support for industry standards
* more fully engage in relationships with the open source community.

Pandering to the masses, or legitimate effort? This is actually smelling legit...?

Comments

  • the_technocratthe_technocrat IC-MotY1 Indy Icrontian
    edited February 2008
    Here's a list of all the Microsoft technologies that they won't sue you over any more. Some good ones in there! 3rd party apps can now develop some cool stuff without having to worry about using a proprietary MS specs.
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited February 2008
    Office binary formats? :eek2: I never thought I'd see that day...
  • the_technocratthe_technocrat IC-MotY1 Indy Icrontian
    edited February 2008
    I'm thinking we'll see the day soon when your options are print, PDF, and now 'MS Word' or something. Kinda throws a huge "F U" to Google's online docs initiative, too. Why operate online when you can easily import into Word/Excel/etc? (I'll still use it as an online docs folder, but not everyone does that)
  • GooDGooD Quebec (CAN) Member
    edited February 2008
    It was about time if you ask me !

    Good decision :)
  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited February 2008
    Wow! OK next, I'd like to see Adobe Crapobat open up, too.
  • LincLinc Owner Detroit Icrontian
    edited February 2008
    Leonardo wrote:
    Wow! OK next, I'd like to see Adobe Crapobat open up, too.
    Adobe PDFs are already an ISO, and they have an XML-compatible plugin for them, too.


    //edit: The MS binaries are so complicated that no one could ever implement it anyway.
  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited February 2008
    I'm still surprised about Microsoft. Maybe they really are attune to reality? Hmm. I'm just waiting for the Microsoft release of Linux for PC. Seriously, why not! Everyone else and their dog has a release. Microsoft might be the ticket to finally make Linux for ordinary users a success? Am I crazy? If any one entity could produce a Linux for the widest common denominator, it would be Microsoft. If anyone could even hope to keep up with Linux (dare I say MS-Linux Certified) drivers, it could only be Microsoft.
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