Microsoft today laid off 1,400 workers, with another 3,600 on the block within 18 months. We asked Linux Foundation Director Jim Zemlin what role if any Linux played in Microsoft's misfortunes, how Microsoft will react, and what the news means for Linux and open source.

As early as last quarter, Microsoft admitted that Linux and netbooks were eating into its fat profits. The news really came home today, though, with the software giant announcing its first-ever layoffs.

We caught up with Linux Foundation Director Jim Zemlin for perspective on what the announcement means for Linux and open source. Topics covered by Zemlin include:

• Respective demand-side learning curves of Linux and Microsoft, vis-a-vis the emergence of netbooks and other high-growth technology sectors
• Linux's value to the greater tech sector, notwithstanding its effects on Microsoft
• Examples of companies that seem to be embracing technological change more readily than Microsoft

Click below to read the full interview.

 
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