Once upon a time, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer called Linux a “cancer.” No more. Microsoft will embrace Linux on its Windows Azure cloud platform as a way to make headway against Amazon and other cloud competitors.
The rumor has been around for some time, and Mary Jo Foley says it’s likely more than just a rumor. She reports that on June 7, when Microsoft unveils Azure’s newest features, it will include a technology preview of Linux running on “persistent” virtual machines.