Microsoft loves Linux: Three Lessons to Live By

Microsoft’s complex relationship with Linux has evolved dramatically over the years, but a turning point came in 2014 when CEO Satya Nadella openly declared, “Microsoft loves Linux” during a media event—perhaps the first truly candid admission of its shifting stance. For those unfamiliar, Linux is a powerful, flexible, and highly efficient operating system that outperforms the Windows Server family in many areas and powers everything from smartphones and social media platforms to smartwatches and all of the world’s top 500 supercomputers. Its rapid success positioned it as a serious competitor to Microsoft, once sparking fierce rivalry. In fact, Microsoft spent years attempting to undermine Linux, yet its efforts consistently fell short. However, the tide began to turn in 2009 when Microsoft made a surprising contribution of 20,000 lines of code to the Linux kernel—a symbolic gesture that marked the end of a long-standing battle [Source: NetWatch]. Now, more than a decade later, I’d like to share three life lessons inspired by Microsoft’s surprising embrace of what was once considered its greatest threat.

Note: I am not an operating system or software licensing expert. If you find any factually inaccurate material in this article, please email me and I will be glad to correct it.

Microsoft loves Linux – Lesson #1: Think twice before speaking Once

“Linux is cancer that attaches itself in an intellectual property sense to everything it touches” (Steve Ballmer, Cofounder – Microsoft Inc.) In simple layman’s terms, Ballmer was saying something like using a component of Linux in the Windows Operating System, will cost Microsoft the right to sell it. He wasn’t wrong but right either. It was simply an inaccurate statement. Ballmer should have done his homework before making such a bold comment.

Ballmer’s comment was soon picked up by the diehard fans of Linux. The Register called him an “incontinent over-stater of facts” – Some even called him a “fool!” Even worse Ballmer’s statement stuck with him. Linux users around the globe ironically recalled his words when he said in 2016, “I might have called Linux cancer, but now I love it.” – The lesson to live by? “Think twice before speaking Once”

Microsoft loves Linux – Lesson #2: Embrace Change if Change is Good

“If you don’t jump on the new, you don’t survive” – told Satya Nadella (CEO – Microsoft Inc.) in 2014 concerning Microsoft’s decision to allow Linux on Azure, its Cloud Computing Platform. History agrees with him. Nokia stubbornly clung to feature phones and its antiquated Symbian operating system, refusing to admit that smartphones are the future. The company ultimately failed and was acquired by Microsoft in 2013.

Microsoft on the other hand realized Linux is the future. Nadella realized the company will soon witness its demise if it kept on pushing Linux away. (Microsoft shares lost more than 40% of their value during Ballmer’s 14-year tenure as the CEO) – all of these indicate a sometimes-painful truth. You cannot resist change and look forward to remaining relevant in an ever-changing world. The lesson to live by? “Embrace Change if Change is Good”

Microsoft loves Linux – Lesson #3: Together Everyone Achieves More

Microsoft’s vision statement says “To help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential” – Its mission statement is “To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more” – Microsoft has lived up to this vision and mission by transitioning from being a desktop-first company to a cloud-first company. However, Windows Server has been losing ground to Linux for years. So, Microsoft under Nadella offered not just Linux on Azure but many variations such as CentOS, Debian, Flatcar Container Linux, Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise, openSUSE, and Ubuntu also [Source: Microsoft].

Today Azure is one of the largest cloud computing infrastructures in the world. In March 2016 – two years after Nadella took over in February 2014 Microsoft’s shares increased by more than 50%. It’s a win-win for Microsoft, the rest of the corporate world and the open-source community also. “I don’t want to fight old battles. I want to fight new ones” – He said at a press conference concerning Microsoft’s move. The lesson to live by? “Together Everyone Achieves More”

Wrap Up

These three lessons can be summed up in a single powerful statement: “Whoever is not against us is for us.” In a world full of diverse opinions, approaches, and working styles, it’s natural to feel cautious toward those who operate differently. However, people who see the world through a different lens are not necessarily rivals. When we take time to understand them, we often uncover valuable strengths and unique insights that can complement our own. Recognizing and tapping into this potential enables us to create stronger teams and achieve greater victories together. Unity doesn’t require uniformity. Progress is possible when we stop insisting that everyone must work or think the same way. Differences, when rooted in integrity and guided by shared values, can be powerful assets. It is important to remember that being different is not a flaw, nor is it a crime—especially when those differences do not require compromising the essential principles of life. Through collaboration, openness, and respect, we can move beyond competition and toward meaningful, lasting success—for all involved.

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