Open source: Rather than litigating against companies for using Linux, perhaps Microsoft will continue to get foolish ISVs and IHVs to join its patent bandwagon, Matt Asay speculates in Microsoft’s anti-Linux whisper game . Mr. Asay does have a thought, though. “Novell could call Microsoft’s bluff on this patent charade and regain some credibility in the open source world.” Best of the blogs: Sustainable IT guru Ted Samson has an assignment for readers: an article titled The Power of Green, written by Thomas L. Friedman of The New York Times, and The World is Flat fame. “It’s not just the stereotypical tree-hugger types in tie-dyed T-shirts and hemp shorts demanding respect and love for Mother Nature,” Samson writes in this post. “Tech companies are already working to influence the government, calling for funding and support that can really drive sustainable-technology innovation.” (N.B. That NY Times story won’t stay free for long, so it’s best not to put this one off.) The news beat: Microsoft chairman Bill Gates unveils a $3 software suite for emerging markets that houses XP Starter Edition, Office Home and Student 2007, Math 3.0, Learning Essentials 2.0 and Windows Live Mail. Mozilla releases the Thunderbird 2 e-mail client which, it claims, improves message labeling and organization. And Red Hat builds a services center in India. Software Development