Torvalds to develop Microsoft's next operating system
By NATHAN COCHRANE
LINUS TORVALDS, the creator of upstart operating
system Linux, will head a new division within
Microsoft to develop a version of Linux to replace
Windows2000.
Information contained in a Microsoft memo leaked to
The Age indicated that the third Beta version of
Windows 2000 had been held back pending a decision to
scrap the operating system entirely.
Coming just after it announced a massive
reorganisation into new business groups, the decision
marks the most significant about-face the company has
engaged in since it adopted the Internet. Insiders say
Microsoft will move rapidly to an open source business
model, possibly by the end of the year.
Torvalds, who has been working for the last year for
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen on a top-secret
processor chip, has reportedly also been paid $US357
million in stock and cash for the rights to use the
Linux trademark.
Although company officials would not comment on
Torvalds' duties, The Age understands it will include
advising on open source business opportunities and
developing a version of Linux to replace the now
abandoned Windows2000.
Windows2000, the successor to WindowsNT, was mired in
a series of delays due to its complexity, forcing
Microsoft's founder, Bill Gates, to look to
alternatives. To be codenamed Minux Milennium Edition,
it's a play on the conjunction of the words
``Microsoft'' and ``Linux'' and harkens back to the
original Minix system on which Linux was based.
A Microsoft source, speaking on condition of
anonymity, said the company was scared of the speed at
which Linux was spreading through business and the
rate at which vendors were jumping on the bandwagon.
He said Microsoft President Steve Ballmer had adopted
an ``if you can't beat `em, join `em approach'' to
Linux, similar to the one ``we used when we embraced
the Internet''.
``The operating system (Windows2000) is a
basketcase,'' a Microsoft Windows2000 team developer.
``We can't compete with the millions of Linux
developers out there, and after Melissa (e-mail virus)
we sure as hell can't rely on people buying our Office
products any more.''
Torvalds was tight-lipped when contacted, but said
Microsoft had ``made him an offer he can't refuse''.
``Anyway, it's time to make some dough from this open
source thing. Here I am, the elected ruler of the
known universe, and I can't pay off my Rav-4. Where's
the justice in that?'' Torvalds said.
``Microsoft isn't all that bad. At least they give
hackers something to do with their Saturday nights.''
Open source advocates contacted by The Age expressed
shock at Torvalds sudden change of heart.
``I can't believe it. I'm shocked,'' a Melbourne Linux
developer said.
``Don't do it, Linus,'' another urged.
``First it was (Open Source evangelist) Eric Raymond
and now Linus. Who next, (Free Software Foundation
founder) Richard Stallman?''
``I knew it as soon as I heard he (Torvalds) had gone
to work for (Paul Allen's company) Transmeta,'' a
poster to alt.microsoft.sucks said.
``They couldn't develop it, so they're going to buy
it, just like they did with DOS.''
International Data Corporation Emerging Markets
program director, Charles Looless, said it was a case
of ``keep your friends near and your enemies even
nearer''.
He said it was an ``end-run'' around mounting pressure
on the company brough about by the US Government case
against it.
``By embracing Linux and open source, Gates
effectively short circuits the (Department of Justice)
case, rendering it obsolete.
``This is a smart business decision that will set
Microsoft up for the next Millennium.''
Published: Thu Apr 1 18:14:07 EST 1999
Source :
http://it.mycareer.com.au/breaking/922954447.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
