Microsoft Certifying Open Source Apps for Windows Server 2008

A tiny but strategic Silicon Valley company is helping Microsoft to certify open source applications for Windows Server 2008. It’s a super-smart move by Microsoft, The VAR Guy believes, as the software giant strives to compete effectively with Linux and ensure Windows Server remains popular in the age of open source.

First, let’s be clear: Despite growing Linux deployments, Windows Server remains quite popular for running open source applications. SugarCRM, the fast-growing open source application provider, is quick to note that many of its business developments occur on Windows Server. And Microsoft itself has sponsored SugarCRM’s conferences, in order to stay in front of open source crowds.

But Microsoft isn’t stopping there. The company is working with SpikeSource to ensure open source applications work with Windows Server 2008. SpikeSource has so far certified five PHP applications for Microsoft’s new server operating system, according to SpikeSource’s Web site.

The VAR Guy first heard about SpikeSource in November 2006, and he has watched the company a bit since that time. The company specializes in certified open source server stacks. And also has a relationship with Intel, according to the chip giant’s corporate blog, and the chip giant apparently is pumping $10 million fresh dollars into SpikeSource, according to this Intel press release.

At first glance, that’s ironic: Wintel pumping money into an open source startup. But Intel has long supported open source companies, and Microsoft is learning to do the same — at least for selected, highly strategic engagements.

That’s certainly the case with Windows Server 2008, where Microsoft hopes Windows replaces Linux in the LAMP stack, according to All About Microsoft blogger Mary Jo Foley.

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