As part of the deal, Corel will drop "certain legal actions", but what these actions are is completely unclear as Corel has no claims filed against Microsoft at this time.

This investment deal is very similar to the one Microsoft did when Apple was in need of cash. In return for an investment of similar size, Apple removed Netscape as their preferred Web browser and replaced it with Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

Microsoft and Corel jointly announced that Corel would become heavily involved in developing for Microsoft's .NET initiative.

Analysis

Commentators in the Linux community have declared this move is proof that Microsoft is interested in developing for Linux and will be using Corel's expertise. This is totally naive, (as many in the Linux community are). It makes no sense whatever for Microsoft to support a challenger to its desktop monopoly, especially one that is already giving them lots of trouble in the server space.

Microsoft will become more and more insistent on progress on the .NET front, while touting Corel's participation in their .NET promotional efforts. Once Corel is in too deep to back out, Microsoft will threaten to withdraw .NET tools and access if even more progress is not made. Development resources to support all this effort will be pulled from the Linux side, bringing Linux development to a halt.

In the end, Microsoft will tightly restrict Corel's access to .NET and its servers. With no standing on either the .NET or Linux side, Corel will collapse into the chasm between.

Links

• Register - MS + Corel = Office for Linux? In your dreams
• Register - How old chums cobbled up the MS Corel deal
• Corel - Press Release