Microsoft's Linux Adoption: How Things Change

What Does Microsoft Mean ?
Linux was known as a cancer from Microsoft's former CEO. Ah, how times change. Now that exact same former CEO is asserting that he enjoys Linux. Obviously, a whole lot has changed in regard to how Microsoft views Linux. Remarkably.
Based on who you ask, this is a great thing or a not-so-great thing. What exactly does Microsoft's adoption means of the larger Linux community?
Microsoft accepts open source
It is hard to ascertain the specific date, however a while in the previous five decades Microsoft started enlarging their business offerings with open source in mind. To do so, they needed to start embracing parts of the open source ecosystem. Microsoft understood that when their clients desired open source resources and service for stated tools with Microsoft products, and Redmond understood they'd need to be certain they had been in a position to offer you the support that was needed.
Significantly, the open source is part of Microsoft's Azure cloud offering -- the achievement of which can be essential to the Microsoft's continued achievement.
Back from the Linux community, Linux users found themselves in shock over the news the exact same firm once conducted by a CEO who called Linux as a cancer is currently an extremely considerable member of their Linux Foundation. Yes, Microsoft is feature prominently on the Linux Foundation's corporate associates page. This movement to combine the Foundation sent shockwaves through the Linux world and obtained both negative and positive feedback.
Microsoft: friend or foe into Linux
When Microsoft started promoting themselves as the firm that "Loves Linux," a few Linux community members were doubtful. Some thought that Microsoft's move to adopt Linux was predicated on the formerly tried and true "embrace, extend, extinguish" strategy to technologies we have seen previously. And this issue is based on a hisory of their previous use of the strategy.
As soon as it's a legitimate to fret about Microsoft's motivation behind their self-claimed embrace of Linux, I believe Microsoft's motivation is much more selfish than a desire to extinguish Linux would imply. According to their action with cloud computing and much more lately, the Web of Things (IoT) I think Microsoft is seeking to use technology which has shown itself in these areas - Linux is the fact that technologies.
Linux is a means to a end for Microsoft. It permits the software giant to engage with increased efficiency by utilizing existing toolsets. The official rationale that Microsoft provides is Linux and open source generally provides a fantastic ecosystem. A ecosystem Microsoft is now (apparently) moved to return code to. My concern, however, is just how much of the code being handed back upstream is very good for your community.
The concern I've is that I feel the code being shipped upstream must always gain Microsoft indirectly or directly in certain manner. I have not seen any instances of Microsoft supplying code which rewards projects which are unrelated to their attempts. Maybe I missed something along the way, but because of their anti-FoSS history, it is ridiculous to expect Microsoft to return to jobs that may not benefit them indirectly or directly. And Microsoft's sponsorship of various Linux conferences is a good instance of direct advantage to Microsoft.
Yes, Microsoft Is a Significant open source code contributor
Whether or not we are familiar with it, then Microsoft is now the single biggest contributor to open source. As I've mentioned, the provider is a memberof the Linux Foundation. While neither of those things excite me, it is still important to comprehend exactly how much sway Microsoft has within the business components inside the Linux community.
In years ago Microsoft's sway with Linux has been at arm's length. 1 instance Is Microsoft's deal with Novell agreeing not to sue Novell within Intellectual Property claims. Without doubt, it was a really divisive issue for the Linux community, since it lent credibility to Microsoft's claims.
Microsoft in 2018 might be embracing Linux, but Microsoft is inclined to take part in intellectual property lawsuits if Microsoft believes it's going to benefit them.
Now let us reflect upon Microsoft's participation with the Linux Foundation and also the number of code that they contribute to open source. Knowing the facts above abruptly paint Microsoft's involvement with Linux at a less than flattering light.
Microsoft Linux - Azure Sphere
A couple of years back if you told me that Microsoft was going to be releasing their particular twist on Linux, I would figure you are seriously misinformed. Nevertheless because we fly through 2018, Microsoft does indeed have their very own Linux product named Azure Sphere. The Idea behind Azure Sphere is a microcontroller layout, Azure Sphere OS and Azure Sphere cloud safety.
What is most telling is that the rationale behind the movement to use Linux for this solution vs a slimmed down version of Windows - OS size. Linux has been the ideal game for Microsoft's needs in this respect. Not because Microsoft abruptly loves open source or Linux. Instead Microsoft sees Linux and other open source tools as competent solutions to Microsoft issues.
So while it is interesting to say "Linux has won," the simple fact is Linux is only a tool used by a firm seeking to keep themselves relevant. This implies embracing IoT pushing and technology cloud solutions farther than in years ago. Should this be regarded as a victory for Linux and the Linux community? No, it is a victory for Microsoft - maybe not the Linux community. I really don't have a issue using Microsoft using Linux. I have an problem with the fact that Microsoft's perspective on IP rights has not changed in any way, regardless of the promises of " Linux"
Microsoft enjoys enterprise Linux - maybe not the Linux community
The current information of Red Hat working with Microsoft has some people raising their eyebrows in concern. In fact, but this is essentially Red Hat and Microsoft working together to meet mutual objectives. Simply speaking, this provides nothing negative or positive into the Linux community. It is merely a partnership.
This is vital since it is something to take into consideration when we consider Microsoft Linux adoption. It is further evidence that Microsoft's recent embracing of Linux is only a byproduct of bigger Microsoft business objectives. Sorry, no tin foil hat conspiracies here. Microsoft is only doing exactly what publicly traded firms are intended to do - make more money for their shareholders.
Is this bad for the Linux network? Not automatically. Then again, neither is Microsoft entering partnerships necessarily unfavorable. It is only a thing that Microsoft feels is of advantage to them.
If the Linux network be worried? Not whatsoever. But understand the Linux Foundation, Linux companies and alike represent their particular interests. Companies like Red Hat have done wonders for the Linux community, however they'll always set the business need first since that is what they are supposed to perform as a business enterprise.
What say you? Completely disagree or maybe, have additional ideas? Hit the Remarks, I would like to heard your ideas on the matter.