MS-Novell Communication Breakdown: It’s Always the Same
If I signed a massive multiyear contract under which millions of dollars changed
hands and the eyes of the world were upon me, I’d probably read it first.
I’m not sure how carefully Steve Ballmer and Ron Hovsepian of Novell scrutinized
their cooperation agreement, as only a week or so later the two are
fighting
over what it all means.
The rub is just who needs patent protection from whom (copy editors in the
audience will tell me if this sentence is correct, parentheses aside). Ballmer
apparently believes that Linux violates myriad Microsoft patents, which is why
Novell was interested in patent protection. Novell’s Hovsepian blasted
back that he had more than enough patents and more money is flowing from Redmond
to Waltham (which is where Novell is now headquartered) than vice versa. (Read
Redmond’s interview with Hovsepian here.)
If two grown men can’t get along, how can their software?
Windows Version Overload
When it comes to Vista, Microsoft apparently believes the more versions, the
better. The same is true for Office, and apparently Longhorn will be no different.
Keith Ward, former editor of Redmond magazine, unravels all the options in a
special report. For today’s Windows Server, there are half-a-dozen choices,
while Vista follows up with five choices. Figure out which are best for you
here.
Be a Vista and Office 2007 Guru
Do you want to be the one everyone turns to when Vista or Office 2007 go awry
-- or does the mere thought make you flee in terror? If the answer to the first
question is yes, you might want to check out Microsoft’s
new certifications. The approach is a bit unique -- you start off learning
basic skills, then develop talents suited for specific jobs, such as consumer
customer support.
About the Author
Doug Barney is editor in chief of Redmond magazine and the VP, editorial director of Redmond Media Group.