Microsoft's investments in open source cloud-based technologies are now paying off. Thanks to the high demand for Linux on Azure, more Linux enthusiasts are choosing Redmond's cloud platform. As a result, today, about a third of Azure Virtual Machines run Linux.
If you think Microsoft 's love for Linux and open source is selfless, think again. This intense love for Linux is helping Redmond make a lot of money in the cloud computing space .
Recently, Microsoft began supporting Linux-based Docker containers on Windows 10. At DockerCon 2016, Microsoft Azure CTO Mark Russinovich spoke more about Microsoft's continued adoption of open source technologies and future plans.
One of the highlights he mentioned was the rise of Linux in Azure virtual machines. According to Microsoft, a third of its Azure machines are running a Linux image. That percentage has increased from 25 percent to 33 percent since last year.
To compete with Red Hat, its cloud rival, Microsoft has already allied with major players in the Linux world. Its partners include SUSE and Canonical.
From the DockerCon stage, Russinovich showed off Windows Server support that is coming to Redmond's Azure Container Service (ACS) soon.
He also showed off a Linux-based SQL Server preview running in a Docker container. The final version of SQL Server for Linux is scheduled for release sometime next year.
Looking at the bigger picture, Microsoft's investments in open source look favorable. Redmond knows that customer demand for Linux on Azure is very high and is making continuous efforts to improve its presence in the cloud.
