Windows and Linux are traditionally regarded as two products situated at the opposite end of the operating system spectrum. However, Microsoft's strategy in relation with not only Linux, but also open source software has been slowly evolving. The Redmond company reached a new milestone with the landmark deal for Linux and Windows interoperability inked with Novell at the end of 2006. Increasingly pressured by the consumer environment to deliver interoperability, Microsoft has since then started to build a bridge between Windows and Linux, inviting additional representatives of the open source community to agreements similar to the one signed with Novell.

"Improving interoperability between Linux and Windows - the ground-breaking collaboration between Novell and Microsoft is delivering solutions that will reduce the complexity and increase the ROI of your mixed-IT environments," reads the announcement from the two companies. "Solutions that will enable you to create a dynamic data center with bi-directional virtualization, allowing you to increase performance, savings and simplicity and build your data center without compromise."

The MoreInterop website is designed to celebrate the Windows-Linux interoperability agreement between Microsoft and Novell. The Collaboration area of the site is dedicated specifically to the work being poured into making Windows and Linux work better together. Essentially, the interoperability advances are aimed at businesses that run heterogeneous environments with mixed-source solutions. But there is also a little something something involved for the visitors of the website. Namely, the chance to get a 2 GB free USB drive just for registering.

"REGISTER for your 2GB Moreinterop USB bracelet, pre-loaded with more information, including a video and Gartner Report (subject to availability)," is the promise from Microsoft and Novell (via Digg). Visitors also have the possibility of downloading the Creating Business Value Brochure, as well as the Building Bridges White Paper, both resources focused on the Windows-Linux interoperability.