[ale] Microsoft signs latest Linux-related deal with Linspire

[Watson, Keith R.]

Microsoft signs latest Linux-related deal with Linspire

http://www.techspot.com/news/25702-microsoft-signs-latest-linuxrelated-d
eal-with-linspire.html

http://tinyurl.com/2fjszx


By Jose Vilches, TechSpot.com
Published: June 14, 2007, 10:47 AM EST

Following similar Linux-related deals with Novell and Xandros, Microsoft
is continuing its strategy to create a level of interoperability with
the open source platform. Linspire, formerly known as Lindows, has
become the latest Linux firm to seek protection from Microsoft.

Under the latest deal, the two will be working more closely in a variety
of areas, including instant messaging and Web search. In addition,
purchasers of Linspire's paid Linux version will get intellectual
property protection against any legal action by Microsoft for using the
Linux desktop software.
Linspire also agreed to set Microsoft's Web search engine as the default
on its operating system and will also get an extension to its license of
the Windows Media technology, including access to Windows Media 10
codecs. Linspire will join an effort to create translators between
Office 2007's XML file formats and the Open Document format.

The company decided to deal with Microsoft, despite its 'past
difficulties' back in 2004 when Linspire agreed to drop its Lindows name
and received $20 million from Microsoft as part of a trademark
infringement settlement. Linspire CEO, Kevin Carmony said "It certainly
made sense to collaborate with Microsoft, one of the most important
partners in the PC ecosystem."