Rejoice! Microsoft Is Bringing You Linux!

Microsoft has applauded 12 new corporate customers that have jumped on board of the Windows and Linux interoperability agreement inked with Novell. In Microsoft's vision, the Novell agreement ensures not only the Windows and SUSE Linux Enterprise interoperability but also Intellectual Property assurance.

Microsoft was accused that the main purpose of the Novell agreement is to handle the issue of intellectual property rights, but the company always placed interoperability at the forefront although never having disputed that IP assurance was a major part of the deal.

1blu, Arsys, Fujitsu Services Oy, Gordon Food Service, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., hi5 Networks Inc., Host Europe, Nationwide, PRISACOM SA, Reed Elsevier, Save Mart Supermarkets, and state of California, Department of Fish and Game are the 12 new clients that have signed up to benefit from the Windows and Linux interoperability agreement.

Recently, Microsoft has also attracted U.S. Computer manufacturer Dell into its mix with Novell. The new agreements mean that Microsoft will make available SUSE Linux Enterprise Server subscription certificates to all 12 companies.

"This impressive list of customers across a wide range of industry groups and geographies is a further proof point of the value of interoperability," said Susan Heystee, vice president and general manager of global strategic alliances for Novell. "Customers are looking for their vendors to solve their interoperability challenges. This is resulting in continued growth in the share of SUSE Linux Enterprise in the Linux market."

"Customers have asked us for greater interoperability and for IP assurance that enables vendors to build technical bridges," said Susan Hauser, general manager of strategic partnerships and licensing at Microsoft. "By responding to what customers want, we've seen overwhelming support. We have customers of all sizes from around the world signing up to take advantage of the benefits we're offering."