Latest examples of Microsoft's strategy, wherein it sends out affiliates to pretend to be FOSS people and then promote software patent deals, separation between Open Source and Free software, departure from the GPL, promotion of "open" core (proprietary) as "Open Source", and demotion of free/libre platforms like GNU/Linux along with free suites/formats like ODF

Microsoft's recognition of the GNU/Linux threat as shown in its internal, confidential presentations

A FEW DAYS ago, evidence was used to show that Microsoft strives to marginalise 'dissent' such as GNU/Linux. The GPL, unlike anything Apple would ever adapt to, is too disruptive for Microsoft's business to tolerate. There is a perceptual level at which GNU/Linux can be suppressed, by creating the illusion that GNU/Linux is scarcely adopted and then working hard to make it so.

Bill Gates: “They’ll get sort of addicted, and then we’ll somehow figure out how to collect sometime in the next decade.” Beware of the Microsoft bearing "addictive" gifts. THIS is not another post about EDGI, but it sure illustrates how Microsoft spins its "addiction" trips (see quote at the top) as something of charitable value.

It's no hoax: “They’ll get sort of addicted, and then we’ll somehow figure out how to collect sometime in the next decade.” -Bill Gates. WELL, what can we say? Like most such deals, it smacks of collusion or dumping, sometimes even bribes like Live@Edu, public looting, or even addiction techniques like the *Spark programmes.

Budget limitations and continued improvement in software and associated services are making open-source software alternatives such as MySQL, SUSE Linux, OpenOffice.org and plenty of others look mighty good to IT managers and CFOs.

Novell is left vulnerable by Microsoft while Microsoft proceeds to similar strategies further up the (G)LAMP stack

Microsoft's grant to students demands use and practice with non-Free software