Darren O'Neill

The BBC is reporting that Microsoft is attempting to become advocates of open source software, specifically the software that powers web servers across the world. It seems Microsoft have paid a hefty sum (well not so hefty for them) to become a platinum sponsor of the Apache Software Foundation. Apache software powers more web servers than any other, including Microsoft’s own IIS. Microsoft also announced they will provide patches for software such as PHP.

Let’s hope that this development on Microsoft’s part is a genuine attempt to improve open source software for all. I find it hard to take seriously though, especially when they are continually fined for anti-competitive behaviour and threaten to sue the Linux community for stealing their ideas.

Time will tell…

Tags: Apache, IIS, Linux, Microsoft, open source software, PHP