Microsoft slipping errr... I mean buying into the "dark side"?
Unification of Operating System's take a step closer to reality.

Don't fool yourself into believing Microsoft has gotten all "warm and Fuzzy" cozying up with Linux. This all comes down to selling more software and the "bottom line". Think about it, if software writers and developers only have to focus on once source code, then you can do more with less people and time, while charging any price you want for that piece of software.

Microsoft has appointed a director to lead its interoperability efforts with Novell.

The two companies have been trying to sell a combined proprietary and open-source software package to businesses since they announced a deal in November. Through a jointly run Interoperability Lab, they intend to make Novell's Suse Linux Enterprise Server 10 run on Microsoft Virtual Server 2005. The companies will also market each other's products.

Tom Hanrahan, former director of engineering at the Linux Foundation--which was formed by the merger of the Open Source Development Labs and the Free Standards Group--will head up the Interoperability Lab and take the job title of director of Linux interoperability. Hanrahan is a Linux veteran, having overseen a large team of kernel developers in a former role at IBM's Linux Technology Center.

Novell appointed Susan Heystee in December to manage its relationship with Microsoft.

Both Hanrahan and Heystee look set for a turbulent ride in what has already proven to be a controversial relationship between the companies.

Read all about it here, courtesy of news.com.com

Eric