Microsoft's relationship with linux is actually a bit more complicated. It was a top 5 [1] contributor to the linux kernel in 2011 and a top 20 [2] contributor in 2012. The reason here is because linux virtualization is a big deal for Microsoft Azure.
Although the rational here is fairly clear: having good linux support for Azure helps Microsoft sell its cloud service. Having good linux support for Microsoft filesystems helps people move away.
Although the rational here is fairly clear: having good linux support for Azure helps Microsoft sell its cloud service. Having good linux support for Microsoft filesystems helps people move away.
[1] http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/top-five-linux-contrib...
[2] http://www.geekwire.com/2012/surprise-microsoft-list-top-lin...