Linux Foundation – Microsoft: Microsoft’s acquisition of GitHub has caused mixed feelings in the developer community, with many arguing that it’s a good way to get more storage space, while others immediately moved their projects to alternative services after the announcement.
But let’s see what’s surprising: One of those who defended Microsoft for acquiring GitHub is The Linux Foundation. In a statement published on the organization’s blog, executive director Jim Zemlin says that Microsoft’s purchase of GitHub is “good news for the open source world” and that we should “celebrate Microsoft’s smart move.”
Zemlin then says that the purchase of GitHub doesn’t mean that Microsoft has bought the entire open source world, noting that all developers whose projects are hosted on this platform retain ownership of their code.
In addition, the Linux Foundation executive director admitted that today’s Microsoft is a completely new company and that promoting open source is a key part of its strategy.
Microsoft under the leadership of Satya Nadella has now completed its transition from an opponent of open source to a first‑class community member. If you haven't noticed, Microsoft is opening its code and has hired top developers who work on open source.
Zemlin said there is no reason for concern for the open source community now that Microsoft has acquired GitHub, noting that Redmond's shift to OSS is a process that started a long time ago.
It is not a sudden change. Microsoft has become a leading partner of Linux and Kubernetes, develops and distributes Linux-based products, opened .NET and supports the Linux Foundation, the Apache Software Foundation, the Open Source Initiative and many similar efforts. Their commitment to open source has existed for years.
The Linux Foundation emphasizes that GitHub is expected to improve under the leadership of Nat Friedman.
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