A Windows/Linux Détente?

That, coupled with Microsoft’s settlement with the EU over antitrust violations, has created an opportunity for Microsoft and for Windows in the enterprise. First of all, Microsoft can assure some level of compatibility with Linux servers running in its corporate customers’ infrastucture, making their lives easier. At the same time, the EU agreement could still put money in Microsoft’s pocket from royalties on the sale of Linux distributions and other licensing payments.

Strangely, it’s a win-win, because Linux has never really cut that deeply into Microsoft’s Windows installed base. Rather, it’s taken away market share from Unix, making Windows number one on the server. And Linux has also driven more adoption of Intel-compatible commodity hardware in corporate infrastructure. By making it easier for customers to make Linux work with Windows clients and servers, and by embracing certain elements of what Linux has achieved, Microsoft still ends up ahead in the long term. Why? Because if Microsoft makes money off of Linux, and invests in making Windows a better alternative to Linux, Linux becomes the Windows gateway drug.

There are plenty of applications that Linux makes more sense for than Windows, and vice versa. And just as Sun and Microsoft were forced to sit down and talk by their major customers–Steve Ballmer and Scott McNealy all but admitted customers like General Motors browbeat them into coming to the table over directory services issues–Microsoft is now going to find that it’s in the best interest of Windows to have a more compatible Linux in the enterprise.