Star Mozilla Team Accepts Microsoft's Invitation
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Wed 23rd Aug 2006 17:53 UTC
Mozilla & Gecko clones The Mozilla team has more or less accepted Microsoft's help in working on Firefox for Windows Vista. Besides the fact that the two parties are already working together, Mike Beltzner, Mozilla developer, has accepted Microsoft's invitation, saying: "Yes, we'd definitely be interested in getting some 1:1 support." Note Sam Ramji's good sense of humour: "I sent this invitation to staff@mozillaNOSPAM.org as well, but in case their spam filters are set to block @microsoft.com email addresses, I'm posting here."
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could be a trap
by happycamper on Wed 23rd Aug 2006 19:33 UTC
happycamper
Member since:
2006-01-01

If i was a member of a open source project that is pounding a ms program. i would bring a team a lawyers just incase.

Edited 2006-08-23 19:36

Reply Bookmark Score: 1

RE: could be a trap
by Tyr. on Wed 23rd Aug 2006 19:47 in reply to "could be a trap"
Tyr. Member since:
2005-07-06

Or maybe MS just wants to make sure Firefox works on Vista so it won't get crucified by open source supporters (with traditional media picking it up later) if it doesn't. That would be pretty bad for it's image.

Edited 2006-08-23 19:48

Reply Parent Bookmark Score: 5

RE[2]: could be a trap
by umccullough on Wed 23rd Aug 2006 19:57 in reply to "RE: could be a trap"
umccullough Member since:
2006-01-26

Exactly - the last thing Microsoft wants at this point is to release a new version of the OS, with a new version of IE, and have all the competition playing "catchup" because IE uses some new "secret sauce" in Vista that nobody else has access to.

If an OS offers a feature/API that can help the software run better, I don't see any problem with that software making use of the feature/API. Granted, Firefox BETTER work just fine with older versions of Windows also or there will be some seriously pissed off people.

As pointed out in the other thread, Windows-users make up the majority of Firefox users. Therefore making the Firefox experience better on Windows cannot be a bad strategy for Mozilla.

Reply Parent Bookmark Score: 4

RE[2]: could be a trap
by kaiwai on Thu 24th Aug 2006 06:10 in reply to "RE: could be a trap"
kaiwai Member since:
2005-07-06

Or maybe MS just wants to make sure Firefox works on Vista so it won't get crucified by open source supporters (with traditional media picking it up later) if it doesn't. That would be pretty bad for it's image.

They've already invited Opera, and have found two bugs related to changes in Vista; Microsoft works with ALL companies, including rivals to ensure that software works reliably on their new operating system. Its in their best interest to ensure things run smoothly as to encourage people to fork over the cash for the upgrade.

Reply Parent Bookmark Score: 5