If Microsoft want to use GPL code there is nothing stopping them going to the author and asking / paying them to release a special version of their code to them under a different license. This can then be used under this new agreed license and would not restict or stifle innovation. Microsoft would continue and so would the GPL'd software. Plus Microsoft would be funding OpenSource.
Slashdot Mirror
If Microsoft want to use GPL code there is nothing stopping them going to the author and asking / paying them to release a special version of their code to them under a different license. This can then be used under this new agreed license and would not restict or stifle innovation. Microsoft would continue and so would the GPL'd software. Plus Microsoft would be funding OpenSource.