Contrary to popular opinion, Microsoft “is open to open source”. On their Open Source Website they add:

“We are actively participating in open source and share the common industry view that software users will continue to see a mixed IT environment of open source and proprietary products for years to come. We also understand that open source software alternatives can represent healthy competition and an opportunity to complement or enhance Microsoft technologies and products.”

Microsoft recently interviewed our own CTO, Jeff Roberts, on the subject: