Former Microsoft CEO Ballmer does about-face on Linux technology

Former Microsoft CEO Ballmer does about-face on Linux technology

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has changed his tune on Linux, the open-source operating system that he once famously called “a cancer”.

In a recent interview with CNBC, Ballmer praised Linux and its role in the cloud computing market, where Microsoft competes with rivals like Amazon and Google.

“I think the company made a ton of progress in embracing Linux and the open-source community, and I’m proud of that,” Ballmer said. “I think it’s absolutely essential. You don’t have to love everything, but you have to respect your competitors and where they’re good.”

Ballmer’s comments reflect a dramatic shift in Microsoft’s attitude towards Linux, which was once seen as a threat to its dominant Windows platform. Under Ballmer’s leadership, Microsoft waged a legal war against Linux, claiming that it violated its patents and demanding royalties from its users.

However, under the current CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft has embraced Linux and open-source software, recognizing their importance in the cloud and mobile markets. Microsoft now offers Linux-based products and services, such as Azure, SQL Server, and Visual Studio Code. It also joined the Linux Foundation as a platinum member in 2016, and acquired GitHub, the largest online repository of open-source code, in 2018.

Ballmer, who stepped down as CEO in 2014 and now owns the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, said he supports Nadella’s vision and strategy for Microsoft.

“I’m a very interested board member,” Ballmer said. “I’m a very supportive board member. I’m not involved in the day-to-day operations, but I’m super excited about what’s going on at Microsoft.”