The Change Mariner

Linux Brings Peace to Sun and Microsoft

San Jose Mercury:

So what prompted the peace?

Both firms are now under the threat from the spread of cheap, ``open source'' software, such as the Linux operating system.

Dan Kusnetzky, an analyst with IDC, said customers are tired of the complexity in trying to make their various Sun-based systems talk to Microsoft systems and vice versa.

"They said, `Folks, we don't want to be in the middle of your squabble. We are busy writing our future now. If you want to get written out of it, continue your squabbling,' '' he said.

McNealy said that he extended the first olive branch -- or rather, golf club -- a year ago, when he asked Ballmer to join him for golf in Pebble Beach. They ended up being partners. McNealy said he was prodded to begin discussions by customers, which had been urging him to "stop the noise and start the collaboration.''

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