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Google Doubles Down on Linux and Open Source (zdnet.com)

Posted by msmash on from the how-about-that dept.

Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, writing for ZDNet: Google couldn't exist without Linux and open-source software. While you may not think of Google as a Linux company in the same way as you do Canonical, Red Hat, or SUSE, it wouldn't be the search and advertising giant it is today without Linux. So, it makes sense that Google is moving up from its Silver membership in The Linux Foundation, to the Platinum level. With this jump in status, Google gets a seat on the Foundation's board of directors. This position will be filled by Sarah Novotny, the head of open source strategy for Google Cloud Platform. Earlier this week, Chinese tech giant Tencent joined the Linux Foundation as a platinum member.

9 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. Microsoft by darkain · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Why do I get the feeling this is less about Google doubling-down on Open Source / Linux, and has more to do with the fact they don't want to be out-done by Microsoft, who is already a Platinum level member. This is just more of a corporate pissing contest.

    1. Re:Microsoft by jellomizer · · Score: 5, Insightful

      That and if you have millions/billions of dollars invested in a Linux Infrastructure. Do you really want your competitors make decisions on what direction the product takes?

      --
      If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
    2. Re:Microsoft by Cassini2 · · Score: 5, Interesting

      If you are Google it pays to purchase some cheap insurance against Microsoft doing something that could screw you.

      Once you get to Google, Microsoft, Apple size, then you need people on all the key committees. These people purchase connections and goodwill. When an important decision comes up, you have the connections and goodwill to ensure it goes your way.

    3. Re:Microsoft by geekmux · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Why do I get the feeling this is less about Google doubling-down on Open Source / Linux, and has more to do with the fact they don't want to be out-done by Microsoft, who is already a Platinum level member. This is just more of a corporate pissing contest.

      Google couldn't exist without Linux and open-source software...

      Uh, given this fact, Google should have recognized the relationship and upped their membership (and contributions) long ago. Cheap bastards.

    4. Re:Microsoft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      They'll use tar and gzip.

  2. I'll believe it when... by sremick · · Score: 4, Interesting

    ...we finally get a Linux client for Google Drive.

    1. Re:I'll believe it when... by jon3k · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It's such a massive, glaring omission it's kind of mind boggling. They have a Google Music Manager client for linux for christ's sake. I realize linux users are a rounding error and writing client software costs a lot of money, but we're talking key users. That's a lot of developers you'd ideally want in your ecosystem. But I'm sure Google knows more about this than I do and they've made the decision to omit linux for a reason.

  3. Re:Platinum is actually cheaper than gold since 20 by DamnOregonian · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Linux on the desktop is fucking wonderful. It's just not very user-friendly, and so doesn't appeal to a large audience.
    I can't imagine having my primary desktop being anything else anymore, after years of using Windows and MacOS.
    I of course acknowledge that that is an opinion, and inherently worthless- much like your post.

  4. Re:Platinum is actually cheaper than gold since 20 by Harlequin80 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Not even sure I would agree with the not user friendly. Something like Linux Mint is a lot more user friendly than Windows 10. I spend 95% of my desktop time on a linux machine, but still have to fire up windows for certain software packages.

    Fusion360, Photoshop and a decent video editor. Those are why I find myself firing up windows. (not to mention games but I haven't played in ages anyway)