Microsoft's Linux lab works on Open-Source interoperability

An investigative report into the Linux lab at Microsoft has revealed some interesting twists to Microsoft's often stormy relation ship with the world of Open Source Software (OSS).

Originally, the lab was set up to "help Microsoft understand the phenomenon of open source software and improve our products because of that." But over time, the role of the lab has changed, from merely wanting to understand the "enemy" towards a tentative effort to working with them.

One example of this effort is the deal Microsoft struck last year with JBoss, an OSS development firm that creates "middleware" software products that allow easy deployment of Java application servers over the Internet.

The Linux lab aims to continue its collaboration effort by helping companies resolve issues with Microsoft and OSS products.