If you read my blog then you know I have been critical sometimes of the decisions that Microsoft have taken in the past about how open it has been about certain aspects of its technology. Dave and myself have discussed and disagreed about this a number of times but I’ve always respected his point of view. Also, you’ll know that I’m fan of the Port25 guys who are quietly working away on Open Source/Linux and interoperability issues. They have been reaching out to some of the Open Source communities as well.

I don’t think Microsoft is evil and it’s been a journey for me to learn more about it. I believe Microsoft is learning to be more open and seeing Open Source increasingly as an opportunity than a threat. I think it has learnt from its legal battles with the US Government and the EC. It was apparent to me from it’s rather gracious acceptance of the final EC decision.

The Port 25 guys have a blog post highlighting a new Strategic plan to make much of its documentation , APIs and protocols for many of its major technologies available to developers for free. This is great news!

However, interestingly this news has not been highlighted on any other Microsoft blog. In fact I can’t remember anyone else even talking about the work of things like the Open Source Software Lab at Microsoft. When people at Microsoft talk about being able to convey better their own story, yet they fail to talk about their own good work in trying to be more open and work collaboratively.

Ah well, maybe I’ll have to keep highlighting this good work for Microsoft!!!