Published at LXer:

I spent two days this past week at Microsoft Search Champs, a conference where invitees make suggestions for their search tools and other MSN offerings. Microsoft paid for everything and picked our brains concerning a lot of different topics, some under NDA and some public. Why would I do this, and why would they want me there? I've been associated with the free software movement for at least ten years. But while I value openness, I also value functionality. If you browse my articles and blogs about Microsoft, you'll find about as many positive references as negative ones. I appreciate new solutions and technologies from all vendors, and I think one company's success will provide a model and a motivation for others to move forward. Andy Oram is an editor for O'Reilly Media, specializing in Linux and free software books, and a member of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility. His web site is www.praxagora.com/andyo.

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