We really don’t want to write about those sorts of things, but the GNU/Linux/FOSS news feeds are getting stuffed with marketing of proprietary Microsoft software which neither runs on GNU/Linux (it runs on DrawBridge) nor is final (it’s just some RC). It’s all about promoting surveillance of database by the first company in the NSA’a PRISM programme, knowing darn well that Microsoft is particularly close to the NSA. Virtually every bit of software from Microsoft (even disk encryption) comes with back doors. That’s just how it’s meant to be.
It is clear that Microsoft is simply pulling strings in the media to sell the lies that it “loves Linux” and that proprietary databases from Microsoft are both acceptable and desirable. That’s pure ‘spam’ and it’s not as though there is a final product, either.
For those who still foolishly believe that Microsoft “loves Linux”, well… wake up. That’s as ludicrous as AT&T’s claims (last week, due to popular online action) that it supports net neutrality [1-3], while suing to undermine it. Microsoft continues to use threats of patent lawsuits to compel OEMs to preinstall Microsoft (in exchange for money and ‘protection’). That’s how Microsoft even interjects its malware into a lot of Android devices and Nokia now helps Microsoft do this to Xiaomi.
It was a patent settlement in disguise when Microsoft did it. What we have here is a bully trying to convince its victim that obedience comes from “love” rather than fear or terror.
As for Microsoft FUD against GNU/Linux, it carries on as usual but Microsoft now prefers to ‘outsource’ it to companies such as Accenture and Black Duck. Clever ploy which works only if people don’t look far enough.