Microsoft and Novell to allow open-source Linux to work with Windows

This is an interesting new development. Microsoft and Novell have been rivals since ages now and the two companies are now getting into a partnership.

The two companies would now work together to ensure that Linux applications would now be able to work with Windows applications.

Microsoft has said that it would provide support and technology to allow Linux to work on Windows. And they would also not assert patent rights over technology that may be included in SuSE Linux which is sold by Novell in the market.

Brad Smith, Microsoft’s general counsel spoke on this deal: “We appreciate that open-source software plays an important role in our industry and it’s here to stay. This will enable a new level of cooperation between open source and proprietary software.”

This deal would give Novell a crucial advantage over rivals including Red Hat. Interestingly, this deal announcement comes just days after Microsoft announced a similar collaboration with open-source software maker Zend.

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