Turbolinux joins MS camp

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 24 October 2007 01:44

Business IT - Technology

Another Linux vendor has made a deal with Microsoft involving interoperability efforts plus "intellectual property assurance" for customers.

Turbolinux is a leading Linux distributor in Japan and China. Curiously, the IP assurance aspect of the agreement between the two companies only seems to apply to Turbolinux Server - no mention is made of the desktop version.

Despite that, Turbolinux desktops will feature Live Search.

A specific aspect of interoperability that will be explored by Microsoft and Turbolinux is the development of a single sign-on facility that will allow the use of one set of credentials to log in to Windows and Turbolinux-based devices.

Turbolinux also receives a Workgroup Server Protocol Program evaluation license so it can explore other potential opportunities for technical collaboration.

An R&D interoperability lab will be set up at Microsoft's Beijing office, and Turbolinux will also join the Microsoft-sponsored Interoperability Vendor Alliance.

"Together, we can do much to reduce the cost and complexity of running mixed Windows and Linux IT environments, and we believe this agreement gives our company a significant edge in the marketplace," said Turbolinux CEO Yano Koichi.

"Delivering value requires a vision for how to design mixed-source solutions that tackle clear customer priorities and a framework for sharing intellectual property. When strong Microsoft customers are evaluating Linux, we want them to see Turbolinux as the distribution that works best with their existing Microsoft investments."