Paoli: Microsoft will engage with the open source and standards communities

Ok, I can elaborate a bit more: I don't trust any single word about openness coming from this company. I think this is just a opportunistic move and not willingness to change their culture.

The next big thing, the cloud, is linux-powered, is a fact. So Microsoft now is forced to bit the dust and accept this open standards to don't be left of the game.... But don't let them fool you: if they have a minor chance of building their own proprietary stuff and monopolize the market they won't blink for a second.

The world will be a better place without Microsoft. They are like a virus, once they enter on a market they will do everything that they can to monopolize it and force the rest of the players to dance their own song.

Just look the desktop market. Go to a shop and try to buy a laptop or pc without Microsoft software: good luck.