Microsoft Gets Novell Linux Code

Microsoft is entitled to receive key technical documentation from the Linux distributor because of controversial alliance with Novell.

Under the deal, Novell must provide to Microsoft documentation relating to the tools used to manage Novell's SUSE Linux operating system on virtual servers.
Microsoft and Novell reached an accord in November under which Microsoft agreed not to press its patent claims over Linux against Novell's SUSE customers. In exchange, Microsoft won the right to re-sell Novell's Linux products and services at a markup.
Microsoft claims that Linux and other free software programs violate 235 of its patents.

Virtualization is the process through which a single server is subdivided to run multiple operating systems. Large enterprises are increasingly implementing virtualization strategies in their data centers in an effort to reduce hardware needs, cut power consumption, and add flexibility.
In addition to giving Microsoft first crack at some of Novell's virtualization management technology, Novell is allowed to use and create tools enabling SUSE Linux to run alongside Longhorn using Microsoft's application programming interface for virtualization.However, Novell will be able to do so without fear of stepping on Microsoft patents.

The deal also calls for the two companies to develop protocols for testing Novell's virtual machine technology running on Microsoft's Viridian virtualization tool, which is expected to ship after the company releases Longhorn later this year or early next year.