Microsoft makes another Linux deal -- this time with Xandros

Following Microsoft's patent/payment pact with Novell the Redmond, Wash., computer OS and application giant has made yet another deal with a Linux company, this time with Xandros.

Xandros produces a Debian-based distribution for desktops and servers that already strives to be comforting and comfortable to Windows users, and in the current climate of Microsoft sabre-rattling would seemingbly be comforting itself and its own customers with assurances that they won't be sued for possible patent infringement.

From CNet:

Over the next five years, the two companies said, they will work on improving interoperability between their servers to improve systems management.

The pact calls for Microsoft to provide patent covenants for Xandros customers that ensure they are not infringing on Microsoft's intellectual property, according to the companies.

Xandros will also ship software for desktop productivity applications that translates between the Open Document Format and OpenXML, which is Microsoft's own document format.

The agreement will make it easier for Xandros customers to run a mix of Xandros and Microsoft software, Andreas Typaldos, CEO of Xandros, said in a statement.

Easier from a legal sense? Or a technical sense?

While Xandros isn't one of the Linux fanboy favorites (though it holds the No. 28 spot on Distrowatch, it is based on the non-commercial, totally free Debian, a company that will not be getting into bed with Microsoft, I assure you.

Microsoft might not be fond of going to court, preferring to partner up with its enemies, real and imagined, but I have a good feeling that this one is eventually going to end up right where MS doesn't want to be -- in court.