Microsoft Launches Linux Labs Website

mjdroner writes "ZDNet is reporting that Microsoft is launching a website to 'share the activities of its internal Linux laboratories.' Microsoft says its goal is to foster communication with those who use open-source. The article also mentions that Microsoft runs a 300-server Linux installation to test open-source products." From the article: "Customers will be able to submit requests to Microsoft employees. For example, a person could ask how to best test the use of Linux desktops working with Microsoft's directory software. In addition, Port 25 will do video interviews with Microsoft employees with experience in the open-source or Unix world, Hilf said."

obligatory

[sTeF]

in other news: hell just froze over.

I can see it now...

[jacobcaz]

For example, a person could ask how to best test the use of Linux desktops working with Microsoft's directory software.

Answer: Thank you for choosing Microsoft(TM) Software. We have studied this problem and have determined to best use Linux desktops with Microsoft's Active Directory(SM) first format the machines and install Windows(TM) XP Professional(SM)...

Re:obligatory

[_Sharp'r_]

Right. Next you'll be telling me that Apple is selling x86 machines. Sheesh.

Can only imagine first email

[caffiend666]

Hello dear friend,

While this message my come as a surprise to you, I have spent extensive time trying to port MS Windows applications to Linux. After my company (Loki Software) went bankrupt, the CEO mistakingly transferred $100m (One Hundred Million US Dollars) to my Nigerian bank account and I am looking for a partner in transferring this money back to the United States. In exchange for this service....

Thats strange.

[vertinox]

I dunno. Isn't this kind of like Stalin asking for input on the democratic process:

Stalin: Hey guys... I know I've been kind of totalitarian in the past, but... Um... Let's foster some thoughts about that democracy thing we keep hearing about over in the States.

KGB Adivsor: I hear they don't have secret arrests over there...

Stalin: Ok. Thats a start... Anything else?

Army Commisar: They don't have secret laws or show trials.

Stalin: I seeee....

Politburo Advisor: Oh... And they watch funny shows on TV and actually own their own homes and cars and mow their lawns and have these things called elections so that everyone can have their input into the process... Oh and almost forgot there is the...

Stalin: *cuts advisor off* Ok. I think that is enough fostering for a very long time. Lets get back on the subject of 'summary executions'. You know guys, I was thinking maybe we could double our efficiency if we outsource to the Chinese.

What a world we live in

[Anonymous Coward]

First Apple lets people install Windows then Microsoft lets its own people install Linux.
Whats next ?
Balmer takes an anger management course and Steve Jobs changes his appearence ?

In other words

[jlebrech]

Microsoft Linux Virus Labs

In other news...

[gentlemen_loser]

The Prince of Darkness (TM) as set up a new site called "Port 666" where residents of Hel will discuss their experiences with that Other guy. As a quote from the PoD himself, "We'd really just like to help the community out there understand the implications of the decesions they make." More on this later...

Re:Embrace...

[nizo]

Just for once I wish Microsoft would "embrace" face to face and not sneak up from behind. Can we at least get some lube for the "extend" part this time?

Re:GPL

[Richard_at_work]

Microsoft have distributed many GPLed applications, including GCC, for some time as part of the Software for Unix package. Hells still going strong, and provides central heating for the sun.

Re:obligatory

[Anonymous Coward]

...and that these x86 Apples will boot Windows XP!!

Re:obligatory

[vwjeff]

Right. Next you'll be telling me that Apple is selling x86 machines. That run Windows.

Re:Then stop breaking things

[marcosdumay]

"MS has always seemed to break interaction with samba at every opportunity, I suspect this is completely intentional..."

No way! Microsoft would need an entire Linux lab for doing that intentionaly...

Oh,ok. Never mind...

Re:who do you want to sue today?

[Churla]

From personal experience.. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" stops working when people hit puberty and figure out some key things.

99 comments

[Captain DaFt]

And yet nobody has yet said:
  "Finally! The ease of linux combined with the security of Windows!"

Really guys we're slipping here.

new apt-get comand for Microsoft Debian....

[frankmu]

apt-get assimilate

(resistance is futile)

Re:Port 25?

[RandomPrecision]

Cute, huh?

...kill me now...

Alien Resurrection

[gmuslera]

Like in that movie, I can visualize badly cloned, mutant penguins in that lab, suffering and asking for death. Someone must stop Microsoft to do those evil experiments.

Re:Then stop breaking things

[Spasmodeus]

You are not of the Body? Landru, help me!

Remember. You asked for it.

[Anonymous Coward]

In Soviet Russia, Air Force acts like YOU!

Port 25 website only available on port 80

[LodCrappo]

Their "Port 25" website is in fact not accessable via port 25 at all. On a hunch I tried port 80 and some kind of web site about port 25 came up. This is apparently another embrace and extend type of thing, where port 25 is now accessable only via port 80 and god knows where they've extended port 80 to or what's actually running on port 25.

Re:Then stop breaking things

[advocate_one]

could explain why their patches take so long to come out... prolly making sure they break things in Linux...