You may be asking about what Microsoft is up to with their Codeplex open source foundation. I think there is a clue with the release of three operating systems recently. Microsoft has three Open Source operating systems, they are Singularity, Barrelfish, and Helios. As OS News reported, they are “available as open source software” and is “licensed under a BSD-like license.” Now why would Microsoft open source anything. I think that they are planning to compete with Linux. When the EU or other government decides that it is only taking bids from open source vendors, Micosoft’s Codeplex can step up to the plate. As you may know, the BSD license is free enough to add proprietary code with it like Apple has done. That also means that they could give the OS away free and charge for Office and other programs. They could even charge for added functionality by charging for add on modules or codecs. They could also copy Red Hat, whose profits are soaring, and charge for service contracts. Yes Microsoft’s service sucks, but they could contract that out to a third party and collect money through them. This may simply be a plan B for them. There is too many coincidences here that are contrary to Microsoft usual way of doing things. They have to have an open source alternative or they will loose their profitability. Tell me another goods explanation on why they would release three operating systems as open source and then start an open source foundation?
LINKS
http://www.osnews.com/story/22241
http://www.osnews.com/story/22251
