My opinion on the Microsoft/Novell deal

A lot has been written on the Microsoft/Novell deal and a lot more will be written. It would nice (and naive) to believe that Microsoft would like to play nice with the Open Source Community but history paints a much more grim picture (think IBM/Microsoft and OS2). To make matters worse is Steve Balmer's most recent comments towards the Linux community infringing on Microsoft's intellectual property (and his past tirades). It's obvious that Microsoft has no intention of co-operation but rather spreading FUD and using bully tactics. I'm hoping that the Linux community can work together and defeat Microsoft at it's marketing game of cat and mouse. Those who are interested can sign Bruce Peren's Protest the Microsoft-Novell Patent Agreement online petition. While a single voice may not be easily heard a group of voice can form a choir that can be more readily heard from afar.