Keep Windows Shut

Computerworld - Just when it Looks like Microsoft has finally figured out open source, it comes clear that the penny still hasn't dropped. Case in point: Last week, Microsoft said it will let national governments examine the source code for Windows operating systems . Everyone at Microsoft was scrupulously careful not to mention Linux, but they weren't kidding anybody. Linux is making inroads in government sales. Linux's source code is available and can be modified by users. Until now, the Windows source wasn't and couldn't be. To compete, Microsoft had to open up a little more.
So that's what Microsoft did -- isn't it? True, governments that sign up for the new program will be allowed to examine the Windows source only under tight restrictions. True, they won't be able to modify the code. (Microsoft says some code changes are possible, but it will do the recompiling.)
But they will be able to look at the source code. And that's what they want from open-source software, right?
Of course not. Most big IT customers -- including governments -- considering Linux want to cut their software acquisition costs. They don't want to actually look at source code. That would raise software costs, because it would mean some employee was collecting a paycheck for the time spent looking at the code.
No, if you're using Linux, the people you want looking at the source code are the legions of volunteer open-source beta testers who work for attaboys or good karma or social status among the propeller-head elite. Those people aren't burning a hole in an already overtaxed IT budget. At least not your budget.
And with so many eyeballs looking for bugs from so many different perspectives, and so many testers whaling away with so many different tools and approaches, you get the benefit of the world's biggest and most effective quality control department -- all for free.
But of course, those people won't get anywhere near the Windows source code under this new Microsoft program. Only government employees or contractors will get a peek, and only using specific Microsoft tools. And no changes or experimenting with the code is allowed.
And with millions upon millions of lines of Windows code, no IT boss in his right mind would seriously consider trying to vet it all.
So, what were the members of Microsoft's brain trust thinking? They probably figured this is as close to open source as they can get. Even if it doesn't offer any value to customers, it looks like a good-faith