Open Source Guy Takes the Hardest Job At Microsoft 325
jbrodkin writes "Gianugo Rabellino, founder of the Italian Linux Society and a key member of the Apache Software Foundation, traded his Linux and Mac PCs in for a Windows 7 laptop and took on a newly created job at Microsoft designed to encourage collaboration between Redmond and open source communities. 'Developers nowadays are mostly to be found in the open source world,' the new Microsoft executive says. 'We need to go where they are.' With Rabellino's help, Microsoft is expanding its successful partnership with PHP developers , but Steve Ballmer and crew are a long way from completely erasing their poor reputation in Linux and open source circles."
As always... (Score:5, Informative)
It's a trap!
Re:As always... (Score:3, Informative)
Resources?
Microsoft interoperating more easily with open source formats and tools (better support for open document formats, etc)?
Re:As always... (Score:5, Informative)
When Microsoft moves on we will. That would mean supporting WebM or another royalty free codec, making silverlight and its DRM modules portable, and not spreading FUD about FREE software.
Re:We will when MS does. (Score:2, Informative)
attempts to throw patent roadblocks in front of everything
I have to defend them on that one. As crazy as the patent system has gotten, if they don't defend their patents, they are essentially putting up a big sign for Apple, Sony et. al. saying "Come rape us!" In this crazy environment, if someone comes suing you over patents, you have to have some patents of your own to hit them back with. It's sad but true that the only way for a company like MS to stand is to have its own cache of patents to ward off other companies. Just ask Sony [bloomberg.com] and LG [theinquirer.net].
Re:Grim future... (Score:4, Informative)
Oh thank you very much, dammit! I'll send my next shrink bill to you!
Re:We will when MS does. (Score:4, Informative)
You don't have to sue to protect patents. That is trademarks you are thinking of. With patents you can sue those who only sue you first if you want.
Re:We will when MS does. (Score:4, Informative)
That's not how patents work. See "Submarine patent".
Comment removed (Score:4, Informative)