Microsoft releases 20,000 lines of Linux device driver code

"Sina Science and Technology" July 21 Morning News, Microsoft announced that the first time directly to the Linux community to publish 20,000 of lines of Linux device driver code to increase its competitiveness in the virtualization market.

20,000-line Linux driver code first released

In the early hours of July 21 Beijing time, Microsoft announced that it was publishing 20,000 of lines of device driver code for the Linux kernel community. This is the first time Microsoft has issued Linux device driver code directly to the Linux community. The license type for these codes is GPLV2 (the second edition of the GNU General Public License), which is the most popular licensing method for the Linux community at the moment.

Microsoft's 20,000-line device driver code is available to the Linux community and customers, allowing any version of Linux to be virtualized based on Microsoft's virtualization technology Hyper-V Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. Prior to this, because of the cooperation between the two sides, Microsoft only provided Novell's Linux operating system to use its virtualization technology solutions.

Sam Ramji, senior director of Microsoft platform strategy, said in a public statement: "Publishing Linux device drivers to the Linux kernel community is an important milestone event." ”

Microsoft to enhance the virtualization of the market

Microsoft's 20,000-line Linux device driver code first benefited those companies planning to use virtualization technology. Prior to that, if users wanted to use virtualization technology in a heterogeneous environment with both Linux and Windows, Microsoft's solution was only for a Linux manufacturer Novell, and now All Linux versions can use Microsoft's Hyper-V to virtualize windows and various versions of Linux. Customers have more choices.

Microsoft's release of 20,000 lines of Linux driver code is also a continuation of its interoperability strategy. Microsoft set up the Open Source Technology Center (OSTC) three years ago, by publishing Linux driver code, enhanced Windows and Linux interoperability between the user.

For Microsoft, its offer to rival Linux is not a debt deal. Microsoft is aware that the trend of virtualization is unstoppable, and Microsoft has high hopes for the revenue generated by Hyper-V. Linux driver release, so that all versions of Linux can use Hyper-V, Industry analysis that this initiative can improve Microsoft's virtualization market competitiveness, improve the revenue generated by Hyper-V.