Dell joins the Microsoft-Novell alliance, hopes for Windows / Linux harmony

The adoration for Linux that has been flowing from Round Rock of late is both refreshing and curious, and Dell has just taken its respect for the open-source OS to another level by signing on with Microsoft and Novell. While Linux users have long griped (and protested) about Microsoft, it's been no secret that Michael Dell has a thing for Ubuntu, and now it sounds like Dell will be "buying SUSE Linux Enterprise Server certificates from Microsoft," and moreover, "will be setting up a services and marketing program aimed at getting users of open-source platforms to switch to the new SUSE Linux offering." With the agreement inked, the Texas Powerhouse becomes the "first major systems provider to align with Microsoft and Novell in the collaboration," and judging by all the other recent Linux happenings in the Dell arena, we'd say this deal aligns perfectly with its current strategy.

[Zadillo @ May 7th 2007 1:55PM]

I think Dell is smart to get behind Ubuntu, but I really still wonder about the whole Microsoft/Novell/SuSE thing. It seems like Microsoft's real goal here is to try and exert some control over what is going on with Linux - apparently the main "point" of Microsoft and Novell's deal is to give protection to SuSE Linux specifically from lawsuits, etc. But this seems to leave the door open against other "non-Microsoft approved" Linux distros. Microsoft's past history would make me wary about what their real motivations are (i.e. it probably isn't some altruistic desire to see Linux flourish and do well).

[Jason @ May 7th 2007 2:15PM]

The whole Ubuntu on Dells is just Dell trying to get some market share back. They used to have a price edge on everyone and they have lost that now... They are even starting to become more channel friendly as well... By putting Ubuntu on PCs they are just looking for some way to drop the price of a Dell a couple of bucks so they can advertise cheaper PCs... when you go to order one though noone is going to want Ubuntu on their machine...

Or they will cater to the pirate out there who buys the PC - windows and puts a hacked copy of windows on it saving the money that way.

[jack @ May 7th 2007 3:16PM]

This strikes me a more of a bonus for Microsoft then for the Linux community. Sure you get a Linux distro but ultimately you still pay the Microsoft tax through a different channel. I will never use Novel for this reason.

[Nathan @ May 7th 2007 3:17PM]

"noone is going to want Ubuntu on their machine..."????

there are plenty of non-gamers that could use a very user-friendly build like Ubuntu 7 for everyday computer needs.

so many people just use their computers for webbrowsing and word processing anyway...

[Kyle @ May 7th 2007 4:24PM]

Can someone give me a link or more info how Microsoft can file law suits against linux???

[Andir3.0 @ May 7th 2007 5:10PM]

Not sure, but I almost guarantee if they do, it's from a plant or patent abuse. Considering that Linux is open source, it wouldn't surprise me if MS had someone plant code in the tree that did something similar to Windows. Other than that, I think it's just standard Microsoft "Bully tactics" trying to keep businesses worried about Linux.

[aphoticom @ May 7th 2007 6:30PM]

http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;839593139;fp;16;fpid;1
These claims are not supported by any actual evidence, of course.