SOA: David Linthicum, who considers the open source notion a strange one, reports that open source ESBs have emerged. “What is clear is that end users like buying software this way, and what’s more it seems to be much less expensive than the same products sold in non-open source ways.” Columnists’ corner: While Microsoft’s partnership with Novell to improve interoperability between Windows and SuSE Linux has created its share of commotion, particulary concerning the potential for Microsoft to enforce infringement claims against customers, Neil McAllister explains that Microsoft’s legal threats are empty. “The mere suggestion of legal trouble is enough to cast the shadow of doubt over many IT managers’ Linux plans,” he writes. “Nonetheless, the only sensible strategy is to resist succumbing to that doubt.” Best of the blogs: The Samba development team is not happy about the Microsoft-Novell pact. Evidence: It drafted an open letter to Novell asking the company to reconsider, notes Dave Rosenberg in this post. “It would be interesting to see what would happen if all the projects banded together against the Novell/MS deal.” The news beat: Tibco, Savvion, and Cape Clear all release new or upgraded products that focus on BAM or BPM. Samsung presents a look at the future of mobile phones, suggesting some dramatic changes. And Microsoft partners with Bharti Airtel, an Indian telecom services provider, to sell hosted applications there. Technology Industry