Proprietary software giant Microsoft is getting into peddling Linux tools.
The Redmond outfit has just bought the Teamprise-related assets of SourceGear which will mean developers using the Eclipse IDE or operating on multiple operating systems, including Unix, Linux and Mac OS X, to build applications with Microsoft Visual Studio Team Foundation Server.
A Microsoft spokesman said functionality from the Teamprise Client Suite will be integrated into the Visual Studio product line beginning with Visual Studio 2010.
Traditionally Microsoft has treated Open Source like a red headed step-child and never invited it to any of its parties. But lately the mood at Redmond appears to have softened.
Microsoft’s S. Somasegar, senior vice president of the Developer Division said that Microsoft knew its customers face daily challenges with management, collaboration and development in heterogeneous environments.
He said that the IT industry, including Microsoft needed to take steps to make interoperability possible. Releasing Linux based tools is a long way from making Windows 7 Open Source, but it is a step in the right direction.
