Microsoft and Linspire Collaboration

Quote:

Today Microsoft Corp. and Linux desktop provider Linspire Inc. announced a broad interoperability, technical collaboration that also includes intellectual property assurances. The agreement promotes customer choice and strengthens the bridge between the Microsoft® Windows® and Linux operating systems. Through this agreement, the companies will work to advance office document compatibility, enhance instant messaging interoperability and reinforce existing collaboration on digital media. In addition, Linspire will be providing its customers with the option of acquiring a patent covenant from Microsoft for customers operating the Linspire desktop. “Linspire has always been about choice, and this announcement continues our tradition of offering options for improved interoperability, enhanced functionality and confidence,” said Kevin Carmony, chief executive officer at Linspire. “Over the years, in an effort to expand choice, we have entered into dozens of agreements with commercial software vendors. It certainly made sense to collaborate with Microsoft, one of the most important partners in the PC ecosystem.” “Delivering interoperable solutions for our customers is an important priority,” said Bill Hilf, general manager of Platform Strategy at Microsoft. “Through our ongoing collaborative relationships with commercial open source companies, we are demonstrating our commitment to delivering the value and increased interoperability customers want. Covering features from document formats to instant messaging and digital media, our announcement today with Linspire is an important step for our mutual customers.”

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jun07/06-13LinspirePR.ms...rss_fdn

This seems to be a trend that's increasing. What's truly ironic is that Linspire was told by Microsoft a couple of years ago to change it's name from Lindows because of what they claimed would be potential confusion. Now it looks like it was a premonition.

Also ironic, why "make deals" with what you are also "out to destroy"?


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