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Fifteen years ago, Microsoft's ex-CEO Steve Ballmer said that Linux was a cancer. Back then an association between Microsoft and Linux was something that nobody could even dream about. However after building a steady relationship with Linux in its open source software in Azure and with SQL and other instances, it, in fact,seems possible for the Redmont based closed propriety software tech giant to embrace open source software like Linux.

Under Satya Nadella's leadership, Microsoft has evolved a lot and has been opening up spaces for Linux for a few years now. However, Microsoft's announcement on joining Linux as its Platinum member indeed has raised some eyebrows.   

Microsoft embraces open-source                                                                                                                                                                                              

Microsoft recently announced the release of Visual Studio 15 for Mac based on Xamarin, which will allow users to experience Visual studio similarly in Mas as well as Windows PC. Samsung has been getting Visual Studio support for its Tizen and Google has embraced .Net. This means that .NET applications can be built for Samsung's non-Android hardware. Too add up to these exciting associations Microsoft announced that it will help in building Linux at the Microsoft's Connect Developer Conference in New York.

Microsoft's evolution under Satya Nadella

The IDC Program Director of PC World Al Hilwa says "Microsoft is hitting all the right notes in terms of aligning its developer business with an ecosystem much broader than Windows" He also added, "Joining the Linux Foundation is a natural progression of this strategy and one that might still generate a double take if it wasn't for all the actions the company has already taken in terms of supporting Linux in Azure and with SQL Server."

Availability of Microsoft SQL server on Linux

The SQL Server is expected to be available in Linux from mid of 2017.  Microsoft has been steadily embracing open-source technologies in the recent years. As Ars Technica reported that Microsoft has been supporting Linux for several years, and the executive director of the Linux Foundation Jim Zemlin is happy about this association.