coupland's Journal: Smart New Microsoft Approach

This article absolutely fascinated me because it was the first really smart thing I've seen from Microsoft to combat the threat of open source. They're planning on offering their developer tools, and other tools as well, as "open source". I put quotes around the phrase "open source" because they obviously won't use the GPL, but I trust them when they say they'll use some form of free license. And why not? It's a brilliant idea.

First of all, expect them to make a tonne of products open source. No really -- they will make them truly open and available and free and compelling. Don't believe me? Well, remember that Microsoft only makes money on Windows and Office. Everything else is a money-loser. They can afford to give almost every product they make away for free (or even Free) and not lose a penny if it keeps people on Windows and Office.

What is even more clever about this is the fact that they are starting with their developer tools. Microsoft got people onto DOS, Windows, NT, because they had great developer relations and great developer tools. They are following this same strategy now, by both wooing developers by appealing to their desire for open source tools, and by giving their tools the benefit of having thousands of people improving them at once. This is a very conscious attempt to use their historically greatest strength -- developer relations -- against free software. If they can lock in developers then they can create better products and can maintain the monopoly.

I still know that Linux and free software is an unstoppable force, and nothing Microsoft does can change that, but this is the first really bright and creative reaction I've seen from Microsoft. Kudos to them for at least bringing something to the party. ;-)