Open Goal for Microsoft

1999-04-01

Why do Microsoft want to open their source? The answer is that they probably don’t. For one thing, it is unlikely that the Windows code is particularly pretty. Any software that has gone through the same number of reincarnations as Windows is likely to contain plenty of redundancies, inconsistencies and downright errors. There are tens of thousands of seasoned developers that will be going over the stuff with a fine tooth comb the moment it is released to look for problems. Undoubtedly they will find and gleefully report them to the baying (and burgeoning) anti-Microsoft camp, adding to the company’s already tarnished reputation for quality. Given the current climate, it may be that the software giant has no choice but to surrender a little of its projected image of perfection. A little lesson in humility is not such a bad thing, once in a while.

(First published 1 April 1999)