Columnist’s corner: Microsoft just might be finding ways to reach a middle ground with open source. “And they usually involve money,” explains Sean Gallagher in this week’s Enterprise Windows. The deal with Novell is one such example, as are the subsequent similar pacts with other open source providers. Most recently the folks from Redmond reached an accord with TurboLinux. The upside, Gallager continues, is that “Microsoft can assure some level of compatibility with Linux servers running in its corporate customers’ infrastructure, making their lives easier.” What does Microsoft get in return? “If Microsoft makes money off of Linux, and invests in making Windows a better alternative to Linux, Linux becomes the Windows gateway drug.” Notes from the field: Robert X. Cringely purports that Arnold Schwarzenegger might be relying on his bad-guy-role strengths, at least in this latest escapade: True lies and data breaches. The Governator, you see, terminated a nifty piece of legislation called the Consumer Data Protection Act that would force California merchants to be responsible for data leakages. “Arnie says the law is too big a burden on small merchants, and that the credit card industry already has its own data security guidelines,” Cringe writes. “The old ‘industry self regulation is better’ argument rises again, like a cybernetic assassin after it’s been steamrolled by a semi.” This one, like most Hollywood flicks, is set up perfectly for a sequel. Careers: Speaking of … Bob Lewis is back with more on when your boss tells you to terminate an employee. “For some semblance of balance, may I lend support to the minority side here (which appears to be the rather less-than-endearing Mr. GeorgeC),” a reader begins. This mini-manifesto ranges from management tricks and techniques to the notorious Nuremberg Defense to what commitment companies should have for the cogs in its wheel. “Promises aren’t, and shouldn’t be absolute. Situations change, and a promise that seemed like a good idea when made might be harmful when the time comes to deliver,” Lewis asserts. Not everyone agrees, however. Technology Industry