14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft revealed with little celebration that it has contributed decisively to shipping in excess of 40,000 Linux certificates in the past six months. The figure is a direct result of an Interoperability agreement between Microsoft and Suse Linux distributor Novell.
The Microsoft and Novell partnership introduced what both companies claimed to be a broad collaboration on Windows and Linux interoperability and Support. Still, it was the second term of the agreement that took center stage, as it was associated with patents covering proprietary and open source products.
"On Nov. 2, 2006, Novell and Microsoft announced a series of agreements to jointly build, market and support new solutions to improve interoperability; deliver powerful new virtualization capabilities; make Microsoft and Novell products work better together; and give customers peace of mind that both companies stand behind the products they deliver. Since the announcement, more than 40,000 new certificates for three-year priority support subscriptions to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server have been activated under the Microsoft and Novell collaboration agreement," revealed Microsoft via a press release.
Additionally, the Redmond Company has enumerated a list of companies that have also subscribed to the interoperability and patent agreement with Novell, including: AIG Technologies, Deutsche Bank AG, Credit Suisse, HSBC and Wal-Mart Stores.
The latest addition to this list is U.S. computer manufacturer Dell, which has also agreed to buy Suse Linux Enterprise Server certificated from Microsoft. "The Microsoft-Novell agreement was a result of our customers demanding more of our industry in interoperability and IP protection," said Susan Hauser, general manager of strategic partnerships and licensing at Microsoft. "Customer response to our agreement with Novell has been overwhelmingly positive. Dell has recognized this demand, and it is the first mover in its space to provide these benefits to its customers."