Microsoft to Partner With Ubuntu Linux?
The speculation has started. Now that Microsoft has lined up patent agreements with three Linux companies, some pundits think the software giant will pursue a deal with Canonical — keeper of the Ubuntu flame.
Ziff Davis Media’s Linux-Watch blog suggests that a Microsoft-Ubuntu relationship is only a matter of time. The VAR Guy begs to differ. Mark Shuttleworth, the man behind Ubuntu, is on record stating that he’s not interested in a patent deal with Microsoft.
Instead of reaching out to Ubuntu, The VAR Guy thinks Microsoft will continue pursuing deals with smaller Linux companies — such as Collax. Then, when all the small fries are in Microsoft’s corner, the real showdown between Microsoft and Red Hat will begin.
[…] Microsoft to Partner With Ubuntunbsp;Linux? Ziff Davis Media#8217;s Linux-Watch blog seems to think Microsoft will partner with Ubuntu. But The VAR Guy, a blogger friend over at TechIQ magazine, begs to differ. He doesn#8217;t think Ubuntu will sign any patent agreements with Microsoft. Here#8217;s why. […]
I think one day or another Canonical will partner with M$ , thats the only way they can survive
Uhm… HtH? That’s complete nonsense. Ubuntu is an Open Source distribution of Linux. They don’t need or require help from M$ at all. They have a massive user base as well as a large support from the community in general.
They’ve done quite fine without Microsoft, and should continue to do so in the future.
If you REALLY think they need M$ to survive, then could you please provide more specific information to support your claim?
The whole patent/partnership issue is once again nothing more than another attempt by m$ to make themselve look good.
In the end, I predict they will try and use the “partnerships” against the Linux community. Look at what happened with SCO and the rest of the FUD.
The VAR Guy would be shocked — absolutely SHOCKED — if Ubuntu/Canonical ever partnered with MSFT.
Ubuntu does NOT need Microsoft. Ubuntu has already nailed a distribution deal with Dell the very same year Vista was supposed to be the big hit. That’s an amazing turn of events.
In stark contrast, MSFT’s first Linux partners — Novell, Linspire, Xandros — all had a strategic need for Microsoft. Novell needed to compete more effectively against Red Hat. Linspire and Xandros both needed to raise their visibility.
The Dell deal has given Ubuntu tons of FREE visibility. There’s no need for Ubuntu to go to the negotiating table with MSFT.
Oh, and by the way: The VAR Guy is writing this comment using Firefox on Ubuntu.