A number of unique consolidations are happening in the industry just as Microsoft is trying to get a buzz going about Vista.

The timing couldn't be better, but there are bound to be numerous shake-outs and a few collapses. And Microsoft looks vulnerable, too.

The most important event is the formation of the Linux Foundation. This is an attempt by the major players, including Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Intel, to create a standard Linux and discourage the continued trend toward various distros that are subtly incompatible with each other and certain applications.

Novell Inc might have signed a patent and interoperability deal with Microsoft Corp but it is not about to give up competing with the software giant and last week released a study that suggests its Linux desktop product is better value than Windows Vista.

Could the formation of the Linux Foundation signal an end to Microsoft's rule over the desktop?

A number of unique consolidations are happening in the industry just as Microsoft is trying to get a buzz going about Vista. The timing couldn't be better, but there are bound to be numerous shake-outs and a few collapses. And Microsoft looks vulnerable, too.

A new Linux cooperative that is expected to be announced Monday could cause refocused competitive pressures for Microsoft Corp., maker of the popular Windows operating system, according to a Monday article in The New York Times.

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, currently investigating personal Internet security, were told this week that the public face real difficulties in reporting internet based crime. Representatives of Microsoft and members of the open source community agreed that police lack the skills and expertise to deal effectively with cases of internet crime that are brought to them.

Novell just launched a promotional website with a simple message: SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 is the compelling alternative to Windows Vista.

We did a double take this week when we saw that Aras’ new Innovator 8 product lifecycle management suite was being touted in the media as “Microsoft enterprise open source” or “Microsoft-based open source.”

“Vista is the best $6 billion I have ever spent” said Bill Gates at this year’s CES. Is that enough for Microsoft to finally defeat the open source threat? Definitely NOT.