So, What's the Microsoft Love for Linux ?
Category Ubuntu
There is a very good reason why Microsoft is contributing to the Linux kernel: virtualization efficiency. Microsoft's Linux virtualization is third string. A few weeks back, Network World gave a review of different virtualization performance results. It was ostensibly an analysis of the Parallels Workstation Macintosh and Windows software.
However, buried in the performance table, was a side-by-side comparison of VMWare, Sun's VirtualBox, Parallels and Microsoft's Virtual PC. Admittedly, this overview was for desktop and not server virtualization, but the basic platform code is the same. Ubuntu and Windows XP were used within each virtual offering, with some really interesting results:
That's right. Ubuntu's Linux was absolutely crippled when run in Microsoft VirtualPC. So, I don't think it's too surprising that Microsoft has come forward, bearing gifts to The Linux Foundation. Linux is mainstream enough for Microsoft to have supported it within their VM technology for a few years. The news is that Microsoft is moving forward to optimize their VM to stay competitive with Linux installations.
Technorati Tags: Ubuntu, Microsoft, Linux Kernel
There is a very good reason why Microsoft is contributing to the Linux kernel: virtualization efficiency. Microsoft's Linux virtualization is third string. A few weeks back, Network World gave a review of different virtualization performance results. It was ostensibly an analysis of the Parallels Workstation Macintosh and Windows software.
However, buried in the performance table, was a side-by-side comparison of VMWare, Sun's VirtualBox, Parallels and Microsoft's Virtual PC. Admittedly, this overview was for desktop and not server virtualization, but the basic platform code is the same. Ubuntu and Windows XP were used within each virtual offering, with some really interesting results:
- Most of the time, the benchmarks were about the same between Ubuntu and Windows XP.
- VMWare produced the best time for Ubuntu on Windows.
- Parallels had the best time for Ubuntu on Macintosh.
- Ubuntu on Microsoft's VirtualPC was a tenth of the performance of Windows XP. It wasn't just bad, it was under water.
That's right. Ubuntu's Linux was absolutely crippled when run in Microsoft VirtualPC. So, I don't think it's too surprising that Microsoft has come forward, bearing gifts to The Linux Foundation. Linux is mainstream enough for Microsoft to have supported it within their VM technology for a few years. The news is that Microsoft is moving forward to optimize their VM to stay competitive with Linux installations.
Technorati Tags: Ubuntu, Microsoft, Linux Kernel
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Comments
On the other hand, Intel has pushed up their commitment, and have increased their kernel contributions. The pundits see Intel's activity as a hedge against Microsoft.
So, it seems that the Linux kernel is going to be a competition of corporate titans in the The Linux Foundation sports arena, with Torvalds as referee.
Posted by Jack Dausman At 07:45:52 PM On 07/21/2009 | - Website - |
Embrace, Extend, Extinguish. This is the Redmond kiss of death. Linux really doesn't need friends like this.
Posted by Ed Maloney At 08:24:34 AM On 07/21/2009 | - Website - |