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Dell Partners with MS/Novell for Linux Servers
untouchableForce writes "Dell has announced that it will join forces with Microsoft and Novell to "make it easier for the Windows operating system and the [...] Linux [operating] system to work together." This is not overly surprising given Dell's good relationship with Microsoft, and since they already sell SUSE Linux on some of their servers, but it is likely to put a stop to the OSS community's celebration of them distributing Ubuntu. The debate over partnership between Microsoft and Novell has been drawn out since the deal was signed and for some this will add additional fuel to the fire but shouldn't the OSS community be reading this as an acceptance of Company's acknowledgment of Linux?"
.... Likely limits the chances of Dell being sued because of some sort of IP related issue. These days, it's all about covering your A**.
This is my opinion. To make sure you don't steal it, it's covered by the DMCA.
Embrace and extend.
The MS Active Directory system and Exchange is what keeps MS shops locked in. Lately, the Active Directory integration has improved with new wizards from Redhat and Mandriva, but the Exchange front still sucks.
Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
It used to be like pulling teeth to get anywhere next to current drivers and software for Linux, but over the last few years, it's just as good as Windows. Man, it sucked to have to boot a server in Windows or visit it with a USB floppy drive in order to update firmware. I see this move as a good thing. Dell realizes they sell more boxes with better Windows AND Linux support than with good support for just one of these...
There exists no way of exchanging information without making judgments. --Bene Gesserit Axiom
This strikes me as a strange statement. This is like offering a chance to lease a Ford with every Honda maintenance.
I get that Dell might see patent immunity as an advantage, but if Microsoft gives patent immunity to everyone, then this contradicts the proposed strategy of using patents as a weapon. Giving patent immunity to Novell was simply an empty gesture, of course. But if cards fall right Dell could actually become a substantial distributer of preinstalled Linux systems. With too many of these deals, patents can no longer be used against Linux, contradicting a plan Microsoft had stated a desire for for some time.
While patent immunity for Linux installations is a good result, I'm not primed to expect good results from Microsoft after a history of them not acting in such a manner. So I am still left wondering what is going on behind the scenes here.
3 things about computers: they're alive, they're self-aware, and they hate your guts.
Microsoft was caught off-guard by Dells move to put Linux on their machines. Microsoft was simply not expecting them to do it. Now that they realize that Dell is serious about it, they offered Dell kickbacks in order to put Microsoft/Novell software on the machines instead of the free-as-in-beer Ubuntu Linux so they can keep control over their customer base.
Slow Down, Cowboy! It's been 60 minutes since you last successfully posted a comment.
I have added this concern to Dell's Ideastorm.
i mply_Microsoft_IP_in_Linux
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67008/Dont_
Anyone concerned about Dell's involvement in this MS/Novell pact should promote and comment on it.
http://www.mhall119.com
This should be read as the first nail in the coffin of linux. There is no way that MS will let any other distribution but suse exist; and only then for as long as it takes to kill off ubuntu, etc.
Killing the open document format, getting linux pushed off the OLPC project and off of Dell...these should all be seen as signs that Microsoft is serious about eliminating Linux (and Free Software) with extreme prejudice.
Any win for Novell is a loss for Free Software; particularly in this case.
In the world, there are many companies who like the idea of Linux and love its cost, but do worry about compatibility issues. Those companies get all warm and fuzzy inside when they hear news releases like this because they think "oh, someone is making sure that isn't a problem".
/., but I understand why they're doing it - they're customers want compatibility guarantees and protection from IP disputes. The only real way to break ourselves of deals like this is with legislation for open-standards and IP-law reform. Those two would mean that companies using Linux would have no fear about using the OS - even if those fears today are simply in their heads.
Whether it is a problem or not, IT people at companies often like the path of least resistance (don't we all) and so paying a little money for something they have to worry less about it a good thing to them.
I don't like Novell cozying up to M$ any more than anyone on
Beware of geeks bearing gifts?
From TFA:
On Sunday, Microsoft and Novell said Dell has agreed to buy Suse Linux Enterprise Server certificates from Microsoft and that the computer maker will set up a services and marketing program aimed at getting users of open-source platforms to switch to the new Suse Linux offering.
"Dell is the first major systems provider to align with Microsoft and Novell in this collaboration, and we intend to lead in this space," Rick Becker, a vice president in Dell's product group, said in a statement.
The pact between Microsoft and Novell is primarily aimed at the growing number of major companies and government agencies that rely on both Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft's patent-protected Windows and Novell's open-source Linux platform to run their computers....
Home PCs will still likely run Ubuntu.
There's hardly any point running Enterprise Servers (which is nothing but marketing speak, anyway) in one's Home PC.
And nothing can prevent corporates from installing Dell's Ubuntu-based Home offerings in company networks.
If you keep throwing chairs, one day you'll break windows....
IMO, you are helping Novell out by repeating this myth. The main reason why Novell sold everyone out is because they were cash strapped. Novell was in serious debt, and that $350 Million from Microsoft offered them a way out.
Anything they said about customers was just at best secondary, and likely just a convenient excuse. If it was really an issue with customers, you'd see a lot more of these deals being signed.
And I also take issue with your reliance on legislators for a fix. It would be an uphill, long term battle. By which time Microsoft could rule the commercial world.
A better approach is to boycott Novell and to educate everyone WHY Novell should be boycotted. And combine this with Software Patent reform. But I won't hold my breath for the latter.
The best way to predict the future is to create it. - Peter Drucker.
GP: Dell has agreed to buy Suse Linux Enterprise Server certificates from Microsoft
P: SUSE has become MS Linux. Thanks a lot, Novell.
That's the way business works in the real world.
You subcontract to a subcontractor who subcontracts to a sub-subcontractor who subcontracts to a sub-sub-subcontractor who subcontracts to... until eventually the circle is completed and someone subcontracts the final assembly to a different division within your very own company.
If you really want your precious little GPLv2'd operating system to come down out of the ivory tower and make a run for it in the real world, then you're going to have to get your hands dirty with this thing called "The Free Market".
The upside being that when it's all said and done, you get to enjoy this thing called "Profit" as a result.
'Microsoft is purchasing and redistributing Suse Linux Enterprise Server certificates under the deal'
So basically certain companies are paying Microsoft to use their own SuSE software. What Novell are doing is legitimizing MS claim to Linix IP rights. A precident of gigantic and enormous consequences. Novell basically gave away their business under vague threats of IP violations. I can see what Microsoft got out of the deal, but I can't for the life of me see what Novell gets out of it.
An analogy, I'm the CIO of Corleone olive oil business and out of the blue the New Jersey Mob phones me up and say I am violating their patented recipe . But they say, lets do a deal, we'll promise not to sue and give you the rights to continue to distribute our patented recipe and in return we'll purchase 'certificates' to distribute Corleone olive oil.
Next thing I know people are ringing me up asking why they should be paying me for New Jersey olive oil. Before ya know it I am out of the olive oil business. The Jersey crew offer to buy out my business at a rock bottom price and to let me stay on as CEO, if I don't go squealing to the the FEDs. Years later people would ask me why I gave away the family business to a shister extortionist - without raising a finger.
davecb5620@gmail.com
Quite right, between this, and Dell's decision to offer Ubuntu on desktops, it's about time for an slashdot interview with Michael Dell. Any idea how to get this started?
http://www.mhall119.com
It's ridiculous to call the software they produce and distribute free as in beer. They contribute upstream, they release all their source, they give redistribution rights, they don't discriminate on field of endeavor.
They are allowing FREEDOM (ie use the software you need if none that support the 4 freedoms are available). Isn't it less free to turn your nose up at something than to inform your users of the licensing issues, let them know they won't get support, and let them use their computers the way THEY see fit?
What definition of FREEDOM do you have that restricts users rights to use something in the name of "freedom"?
That, in my estimation, is freer than a restrictive definition of freedom. Freedom should never take rights away, only add guarantee that you won't take them away from others.
My Babylon
It's one thing to sell Microsoft products. It's completely another thing to sell non-Microsoft products, (products which are by-and-large purchased because people want an alternative to feeding Microsoft), and then pay Microsoft for it.
"Novell's open-source Linux platform".
This article gives the reader the distinct impression (read: presents as fact) that Linux is a program created by Novell. In fact it distinctly hints at the fact that there are in fact two operating systems in existence: Microsoft Windows and Novell Linux.
It's a good thing those two are finally working together to make the world a better place. For great justice.
Oh, absolutely right. I don't recommend buying from Dell and pay MS for getting Linux on my PC (I guess I could do that easier myself). I was just referring to the statement that now Dell jumps in bed with MS. I would rather see Linux as an affair, where the partner has to do compromises in the partnership because of the affair... :-)
"People who are willing to sacrifice essential freedoms for security deserve neither freedom nor security."
B F
Lol ... well if you want to look at it that way, this is basically like paying your wife to let you sleep with a hooker.
Buying Linux preinstalled from Dell..."is basically like paying your wife to let you sleep with a hooker."
See and as Software is like Sex; it's best if it is free... You should know what to do!
"People who are willing to sacrifice essential freedoms for security deserve neither freedom nor security."
B F