JogjaTechno - Longtime US computer software rivals Microsoft and Novell unveiled an alliance to make their competing programs interoperable.
The alliance was devoted to building a bridge between Microsoft s patent-protected software and Novell programs based on the free, open-source Linux operating system, according to the companies.
A number of people said it couldn t be done, but we think we found a solution that respects both business models going forward, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said at a press conference in San Francisco.
Microsoft and Novell engineers would work together to combine and tailor software from the companies to suit the needs of business customers, according to Novell chief executive Ron Hovsepian.
Hovsepian approached Microsoft with the proposal in April and the companies worked together to devise a way to share their proprietary computer codes while respecting each other s intellectual properties, Hovsepian said.
This agreement gives customers interoperability and peace of mind all in one, Hovsepian said.
We really focused on trends in the market.
Customers were the driver of this whole relationship that developed in the last six months.
The companies will work together to market the fruits of their collaborative efforts, Ballmer said.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Hovsepian said Microsoft committed a significant amount of money to the alliance.
Microsoft would make 70,000 coupons available to customers annually offering year-long maintenance, support and updates for Novell s SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Ballmer said.
We are very enthused, but we are not getting into the Linux code distribution business, Ballmer said.
We are still competitors. If anyone asks me what system is best for their business I will answer Windows, Windows, Windows! .
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