Microsoft Releases Linux Device Drivers As GPL

mjasay writes "Microsoft used to call the GPL 'anti-American.' Now, as Microsoft releases Hyper-V Linux Integration Components (LinuxIC) under the GPL (version 2), apparently Microsoft calls the GPL 'ally.' Of course, there was little chance the device drivers would be accepted into the Linux kernel base unless open source, but the news suggests a shift for Microsoft. It also reflects Microsoft's continued interest in undermining its virtualization competition through low prices, and may suggests concern that it must open up if it wants to fend off insurgent virtualization strategies from Red Hat (KVM), Novell (XEN), and others in the open-source camp. Microsoft said the move demonstrates its interest in using open source in three key areas: 1) Make its software development processes more efficient, 2) product evangelism, and 3) using open source to reduce marketing and sales costs or to try out new features that highlight parts of the platform customers haven't seen before."

Comments

*Head asplodes*

[mcgrew]

They're making drivers open source? And for an OS they once called a "cancer" and unamerican? Personally, I find using a monopoly to crush its competetion to be anti-capitalist and therefore unamerican. And since they come preinstalled on 90% of all desktop systems, who's the cancer?

And what of Microsoft?

[genghisjahn]

If Microsoft has obtained a complete technical reading of this Linux kernel, it is possible, however unlikely, they might find a weakness and exploit it...

Re:What hidden dangers?

[OrangeTide]

given the state of Linux on the desktop you can say that Linux hackers haven't been interested in anything other than themselves either. It's a great OS for running little servers and hacking code. But it took a great deal of cat herding to get Linux going as a desktop OS, and some argue it's still not ready. (I'd argue that it's ready, but not done.)

offtopic - why does everyone hate Ms-Pl so much?