Behind that mask, hides the monster?

I don’t believe this. Could this be Microsoft? The same Company that threatened lawsuits to deter customers from using Linux? But then As Marey Jo Foley says, Microsoft’s OSS strategy makes a lot of sense for Microsoft. It’s another way for Microsoft to try to make Linux obsolete, and not look as obviously ruthless doing so. And for OSS vendors who are selling a lot of their software on Windows.

Specifically, Microsoft is implementing four new interoperability principles and corresponding actions across its high-volume business products: (1) ensuring open connections; (2) promoting data portability; (3) enhancing support for industry standards; and (4) fostering more open engagement with customers and the industry, including open source communities.

But then as Om Malik says, Ray Ozzie is talking about software partners, APIs, web services and the need for Microsoft to change [the way] it does business, and become open and interoperable. Between the lines you can read, Microsoft is worried, scratch that, very worried about developers leaving them in the cold. Om quotes analysts while suspecting MSFT is worried about the EU and the Justice Department creating problems when it comes to the pending Yahoo bid and the Danger deal.

At first blush looks like the leopard is changing its spots. Is it? Let you know soon.

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