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Microsoft Trying To Appeal to the Unix Crowd?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the well-we-are-very-sexy dept.

DigDuality writes "With the news that Windows 2008 (recently discussed on Slashdot) will have GUI-less installs and be fully scriptable, that they've opened up their communication protocols for non-commercial usage and are providing a patent covenant (Redhat Responds), and now finally an interesting rumor floating around that Microsoft will be taking on GNU directly. Has Microsoft totally switched gears in how it is approaching the Unix and FOSS sector for direct competition? According to an anonymous email leaked from a Microsoft employee, it seems Microsoft will be developing a framework that will be completely GNU compatible. Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, said on Friday (23 February) that they are aiming to restore a Unix-like environment to its former proprietary glory, at the same time proving that Microsoft is committed to interoperability. Ballmer emphasized that Microsoft's new strategy is to provide users with a complete package, and this includes users who like Unix environments. According to the supposedly leaked email, UNG, which stands for UNG's not GNU, is set to be released late 2009."

2 of 468 comments (clear)

  1. Fake by ledow · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Fake. 'Nuff said.

  2. I think its great news! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    I love programming in unix, shell scripting, pipes, the entire unix philosophy about building tools for a specific purpose and putting them together, but I HATE THE FSF because of their idiot dogmatic refusal to support ordinary programs. Look RMS has money thrown at him for basically doing nothing at all, he is a complete antisocial bum, and he doesn't understand what it means to hold an ordinary job and pay bills. You FSF freaks take note, theres no such thing as GPL'd food or shelter.

    It would be an extraordinarily good day for programmers if Microsoft could simply sideline the GNU project completely and then we could all tell RMS to just go fuck off. All of the unixy goodness, none of the stupid dogma.