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by yantramanav 4242 days ago
I'm not sure what's the reason to be cynical here. I'm an iOS developer who uses an Android device personally and I'm loving this new Microsoft (Post Ballmer). This was exactly the wish of developers in 2002, that MS should become contributing OpenSource citizen.

The Roslyn project, F#, Docker integration, MS Band etc clearly show that MS has learned it's lessons and are responsible citizens of OSS world.

Kudos Microsoft.

2 comments

The MS Band has an open source OS? I must've missed that.
OSS is not the same as 'Open Source Operating System. While I wouldn't say there's much OSS in the Band I think the OP's intent is that Microsoft is being more open

"Plays well with others. We've established partnerships with key service providers who embrace our vision of healthier living. And we're open to even more. Microsoft Health as a platform will be strengthened by broader collaboration from device and service partners. See how connecting to the partners we have today can make your Microsoft Band experience even more amazing."

Just for your last two sentences. No. MS hasn't changed much. They noticed that after losing in mobile, they also started to lose developers as well. So they are just trying to look cute.

I will perhaps re-iterate my thoughts once Ms stop extorting Android device manufacturers for BS software patents. Until then, I am not touching anything from them.

I can't believe I'm defending Microsoft, as I was a hardcore Linux guy back in the days.

To answer your question, Microsoft is not only about mobile. Their work on Roslyn compiler, F#, Reactive Extensions, SignalR, ASP.Net vNext etc is high quality open source. Moreover if they make their tools open and play nice with Android/iOS etc, we all win, right?