Up until Satya Nadella took the reigns at Microsoft, it wasn't a secret that Redmond company didn't take too kindly to Linux. The situation has sure changed over the past couple of years, though. Even the company's massive Azure platform supports Linux, and a couple of months ago, it ported its popular PowerShell admin tool to the Penguin-fueled platform.
But now the company has officially fortified its interest in Linux by joining the Linux Foundation as a top-tier Platinum member. It joins the likes of Intel, Samsung, IBM, Cisco, Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Qualcomm, NEC, and Huawei. This even gives Microsoft a better standing than Google, a company that has had Linux running through its veins for many.
Being an official part of the Linux Foundation could mean big things for Microsoft's enterprise efforts, as those who might not have taken the company too seriously in the past should be forced to change their tune now. Microsoft wouldn't have made a decision like this in haste: to progress further, this bolstering of its image in the Linux realm can sure help.
Scott Guthrie, Executive Vice President of Microsoft's Cloud and Enterprise Group says, "As a cloud platform company we aim to help developers achieve more using the platforms and languages they know", so the company's focus is clear. With this move, John Gossman, the Chief Architect for Azure, will be joining the Linux Foundation's Board of Directors.
It's noted that Microsoft already contributes to a variety of Linux-specific projects, including Node.js and the Open API initiative.
Jim Zemlin, the Executive Director at the Linux Foundation, gives Microsoft a nice pat on the back, "The company has become an enthusiastic supporter of Linux and of open source and a very active member of many important projects. Membership is an important step for Microsoft, but also for the open source community at large, which stands to benefit from the company's expanding range of contributions."
The future of enterprise Linux is going to be very, very interesting. Who would have seen this coming a decade ago?