Microsoft Reaches Out to Open-Source Community II

I've seen some people say that this is just a knee jerk reaction to Microsoft uncharacteristically missing their Wall Street projections. While it's possible, I'd say it's fairly unlikely. Microsoft traditionally doesn't do too many things in a knee jerk fashion. They don't have to. Even when they miss the boat like they did with the Internet, they don't panic. They about face, and get to work. They have enough cash at this point that they still don't have to worry. As I mentioned before, it's possible that they think they can make more money long term by not completely ignoring that Open Source exists. Don't forget also, to really be able to compete with something you need to understand that something (keep your friends close and your enemies closer also comes to mind).