Microsoft releases Linux driver code

Around 20,000 lines of device driver code have been released by Microsoft to the Linux community, it has been announced.

In a move described as "a break from the ordinary" by the software giant, it has revealed that the three drivers have been passed on to the Linux kernel community.

The aim of the drivers is to boost the performance of the Linux operating system when virtualised on Windows technology such as Server 2008 Hyper-V or Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V.

In an interview on the Microsoft website, Sam Ramji, senior director of platform strategy at the company said: "We are seeing Microsoft communities and open source communities grow together, which is ultimately of benefit to our customers.

"Our strategy is to enhance interoperability between the Windows platform and many open source technologies, which includes Linux, to provide the choices our customers are asking for."

Microsoft and Melco Holdings recently entered into an agreement to provide the latter's customers with patent coverage for their use of technologies running Linux.

Written by Chris Ball