Windows and Linux Interoperability and Support

Novell and Microsoft aim to increase Linux and Windows interoperability and support via a set of broad business and technical collaboration agreements. Now there's a phrase I never thought I would write, but how about the adjacent image featuring Ballmer and Hovsepian? For their agreement, the two companies will labor to built, market and support interoperability support between their respective flagships products, as well deliver patent coverage for their proprietary and open source solutions.

"They said it couldn't be done. This is a new model and a true evolution of our relationship that we think customers will immediately find compelling because it delivers practical value by bringing two of their most important platform investments closer together," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. "We're excited to work with Novell, whose strengths include its heritage as a mixed-source company. Resolving our patent issues enables a combined focus on virtualization and Web services management to create new opportunities for our companies and our customers."

"Too often technology companies ask their customers to adapt to them. Today we are adapting to our customers," said Ron Hovsepian, president and CEO of Novell. "Microsoft and Novell are enabling customers to take advantage of each other's products where it makes sense in their enterprise infrastructure. We jointly believe that our business and patent agreements make it possible to offer the highest level of interoperability with the assurance that both our companies stand behind these solutions."

Additionally, Microsoft has revealed that it will recommend SUSE Linux Enterprise to customers who want both Windows and Linux solutions. Microsoft and Novell will also focus on Virtualization, Web services for managing physical and virtual servers and Document format compatibility. Moreover, the duo has agreed to create a joint research facility where Microsoft and Novell technical experts will work together.