Submission + - Microsoft announces new policy on interoperability (microsoft.com)
kestasjk writes: "Yesterday Microsoft made an announcement listing four changes to their policy which may completely change the relationship between Microsoft and the open source community:
Is this the beginning of a new Microsoft, or is it a direct response to the EU's latest monopoly investigations? Either way, will it have a positive impact on open source software development?"
Microsoft has also announced a list of specifications which it "promises" it will not sue you for implementing, and even invites open source programmers to participate in "plug-fests" with Microsoft programmers.These changes are codified into four new interoperability principles and corresponding actions: 1) ensuring open connections; 2) promoting data portability; 3) enhancing support for industry standards; and 4) fostering more open engagement with customers and the industry, including open source communities.
Is this the beginning of a new Microsoft, or is it a direct response to the EU's latest monopoly investigations? Either way, will it have a positive impact on open source software development?"
