Don't diss Sun-Microsoft hardware alliance

I say almost because the something it does mean is good. Microsoft's agreement to accomodate Solaris in its virtualization schemes will help those with OpenSolaris live in a mixed-OS world.

But this deal is about hardware. Sun has limited market share in both hardware and software. Its open source strategy won't boost its share in hardware. This might.

Fortunately most people who have written about the deal so far seem to understand this.

I have been checking the blogosphere for comments, and while there are few so far, they are not unfavorable. Even the most cynical admit it makes sense. Jonathan Eunice likes the idea that these two famously insular companies are looking outside themselves. It's pragmatism.

Financial analysts see something different, weakness.  But that's their look-out. A stock that's not moving (and Sun's has barely budged for years) is making no one money, so kicking it may be as effective to a trader as boosting it.

With the housing bubble cooling, all tech stocks are up, and Sun's recent 20% run-up (it's about $1/share) is nothing special. The jury which counts is still out on Jonathan Schwartz.

But he's trying. And the people who count, customers, are benefitting.