Thursday, June 14, 2007

Microsoft, Linspire In Interoperability Deal

San Diego-based Linspire and software giant Microsoft announced this morning that they have joined in a broad interoperability and technical collaboration to bridge Microsoft's Windows and Linux operating systems. According to the two companies, they will work to on office document compatibility, instant messaging interoperability, and also intellectual property assurances, including a way to acquire a patent covenant from Microsoft for customers running Linspire's Linux operating system. Linspire joins Novell as the latest Linux provider to collaborate with the firm; Microsoft's deal with Novell has seen a lot of scrutiny from the Linux community, particularly after Microsoft subsequently claimed Linux infringes upon 235 of its own patents.