Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and and longtime rival Novell (NOVL) strike a deal to ensure that Novell's version of Linux could operate together with Windows in corporate data centers.
The two companies are collaborating on technical development and marketing programs. Steps have also been taken to ensure that Microsoft's intellectual property is protected as it modifies its software to work wiht the operating system Novell acquired in January 2004--SuSE Linux.
Pressure from Microsoft's largest corporate customers might have led to the talks of collaboration that began in April. They still plan to push Windows over Linux and endorsing SuSE Linux only if their customers insist on it.
Part of the agreement includes Microsoft refraining from filing patent infringment suits against those customers who purchase Novell's SuSE Linux, a lingering fear among Linux developers.
Novell's stock rose 92 cents after the deal was announced and Microsoft's declined 4 cents.
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