Once again we see reference to "intellectual property between Windows and Linux." There has been a lot of ink spilled (and pixels rearranged) regarding the Novell/Microsoft deal, and I have yet to see any concrete evidence anywhere that any of Microsoft's intellectual property has been infringed at all by GNU/Linux. I have, however, seen examples where Microsoft (legally) used BSD code, so we know that Microsoft is helping themselves to the intellectual property of others. Perhaps like the thief who thinks everyone else is a thief, Microsoft thinks everyone is stealing their code because they help themselves to the code of other organizations.
I also find it significant that the two "big name" players Microsoft has lured into this agreement are formerly profitable companies who have, let's say, "fallen under a cloud" and are looking for a way to improve their finances. Unfortunately, when dealing with a company like Microsoft, you may think you are helping yourself, but you really don't know if you are or not. Should something change--and you know it will, sooner or later--you may find yourself being devoured by the "nice" people at Bill Gates and Co.
