Microsoft submitted source code yesterday to be included in the Linux Kernal. This move has been seen by many as another step by Microsoft in embracing Linux, Open Source and interoperability. The code will allow Linux to run on Windows 2008 and Hyper-V. This is also seen as necessary to compete and put pressure on VMWare.
“By allowing greater ability to run Linux on the Hyper-V virtualization platform, Microsoft is making a compelling case that it could be the virtualization vendor of choice for consolidation of Windows and Linux applications” says Gartner analyst George Weiss from PC World article:
In either case, Microsoft’s realease of source code to Linux community is another step toward interoperability in the data center where companies have historically continued to compete on standards and not just products. Businesses have a choice to push to add to the bottom line or spend on interoperability. Until interoperating drives to bottom line, it doesn’t happen. In the world of virtualization, interoperability is driving profits so we are seeing this change in behavior. Ultimately the user will benefit from the interoperability and this is one more way the shift to virtualization is helping the industry!