Microsoft has collaborated with XenSource Inc., a Linux software manufacturer, to ensure that files created on Windows PCs can be utilized within Linux systems. This marks the first positive step by the software giant towards the open-source community.
The owners of both open-source and proprietary operating systems are proposing “win-win” solutions as they compete in the enterprise environment. Bill Hilf, Microsoft’s Senior Vice President of Strategy, revealed this information at the LinuxWorld Conference held in Boston, USA, on April 6. Hilf sees this as part of Microsoft’s strategic approach to “thaw” the relationship between the world’s largest software producer and companies and developers in the free Linux operating system ecosystem.
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Market share of operating systems on personal computers and servers. (Source: IDG) |
According to a recent study by IDC, Windows led the server operating system group in 2005 with a profit of $17.7 billion and an 11% market share. Despite only achieving $5.7 billion, Linux commands a 23% market share.
During the announcement of its collaboration with Linux, Microsoft also reported a successful contract for pre-installed Windows on computers in China, produced by TCL Group and Tsinghua Tongfang Co.
This business deal represents a victory for Microsoft against the rampant piracy issue in the world’s second-largest computer market. The company has had to persuade the Chinese government to reduce software theft, aiming to increase sales there to counteract sluggish growth in Europe and the U.S.
Ha Thao
