Microsoft Contributes Code to the Linux Kernel

Posted By: Nic Fillingham | Jul 20th @ 8:45 AM | 188,510 Views | 15 Comments

Today Microsoft released 20,000 lines of device driver code to the Linux Community. The code, which includes three Linux device drivers, has been submitted to the Linux kernel community for inclusion in the Linux tree.

Sam Ramji, Senior Director of Platform Strategy, and Tom Hanrahan, Director of the Open Source Technology Center, discuss the release of this code under General Public License v2 and how both customer and community demand is driving better integration between Windows and Linux.

In the coming months we hope to feature more videos from the Open Source Technology Center engineers and developers. For now, as Sam mentions in the video, please let us know your thoughts on this announcement and also any suggestions you may have for future videos you would like to see from the Open Source Technology Center.

More info: http://port25.technet.com/archive/2009/07/20/the-hyper-v-linux-integration-components.aspx

PressPass: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2009/Jul09/07-20LinuxQA.mspx
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#Jul 20th @ 4:21 PM
Charles
Charles
Welcome Change

True story...

 

time

wretched makes

the living

 

C

#Jul 20th @ 4:52 PM
rhm
rhm

Great news and a nice short and to the point video!

 

(ignore my avatar Smiley

#Jul 20th @ 5:53 PM
nic
nic
Easily Distracted

thanks @rhm - we discussed filming a longer version but I think the "short n' sweet" version (by C9 standards) is just right Smiley

#Jul 22nd @ 10:45 AM
Echto_Gammut
Echto_Gammut

Correct me if I am wrong but all of this code has been around for a while, MS just changed their stance about releasing their source as required under the GPL. It would seem this is just a move to avoid lawsuits over them violating the GPL. I mean congratulations in abiding by the rules of GPL like the rest of us, but this isn't really anything new. The Hyper V tools are cool and keeps Hyper V competitive with ESX, but I think most people have been using them for a while we just didn't have access to the source. Personally, I think the GPL is flawed and stiffles innovation, because people work best when there is a profit to be made. However I must express a big "meh" over this announcement.

#Jul 23rd @ 7:37 PM
nic
nic
Easily Distracted

Sam Ramji has responded to the Slashdot claims over on the Port 25 blog: http://port25.technet.com/archive/2009/07/23/the-linux-integration-component-drivers.aspx

 

<SNIP>

 

"Microsoft's decision was not based on any perceived obligations tied to the GPLv2 license. For business reasons and for customers, we determined it was beneficial to release the drivers to the kernel community under the GPLv2 license through a process that involved working closely with Greg Kroah-Hartman, who helped us understand the community norms and licensing options surrounding the drivers.

  

"The primary reason we made this determination in this case is because GPLv2 is the preferred license required by the Linux community for their broad acceptance and engagement. For us to participate in the Linux Driver Project, GPLv2 was the best option that allowed us to enjoy the tremendous offer of community support. The community's response even within a few hours of posting the code was welcoming and we appreciate it greatly.

 

"We arrived at the decision to release the drivers to the community under the GPLv2 through this process. Both Greg K-H and Jim Zemlin of the Linux Foundation have reiterated that this is the same process that other companies follow when deciding how to release new device drivers to the Linux community"

 

</SNIP>

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