(Column) - Alright, I’m going to say this. I think Microsoft should acquire Linux. Now, I understand that Linux is not as independent of an OS as Windows; it’s a movement towards the open environment for applications; therefore, the standard M&A process won’t work. However, it wouldn’t hurt to acquire the makers of Mandriva, SuSE, Red Hat, Ubuntu and a host of other popular distributions from their corporate or volunteer makers. Trust me; it’s only for the better.

A lot of Linux enthusiasts claim that Microsoft sabotages Linux and the open source software movement for pure revenue, but let’s think about it. If Microsoft acquires the aforementioned distributions and in essence, controls much of the Linux market, Microsoft wouldn’t need to sabotage such a rapidly growing market. After all, if Microsoft controls the direction, it wouldn’t be threatened anymore.

Since Microsoft is a public company, driven solely by revenue numbers, it could benefit from enterprise customers that rely on Linux distributions as a base for their infrastructure. That would help recover some of the revenue that Microsoft has lost to Linux enterprise OS.

Assuming Microsoft makes such a move, it will obviously concern the Linux community, and rightfully so. What would prevent Microsoft from killing Linux just so Windows could continue to be the dominant OS maker? Nothing, to be honest. I suppose the various Linux distributions that Microsoft may acquire would have to work on that with the software giant.

Even though there is a serious concern of Linux destruction from these high-profile acquisitions, I personally don’t think it would do Microsoft any good to destruct an entire industry. This may be Microsoft’s only chance to change people’s mind about the company as a whole. I mean, sure, let’s say Microsoft acquires all of these distributions and kill their development entirely. It won’t do them any good. The Linux community could rise again from the ashes, thanks to volunteers, and take a stab against Microsoft much harder than previously. Not to mention, I don’t think Microsoft would want to take on sub-industries, such as Internet Service Providers, Dot Com companies and the PC industry as a whole for purposely killing Linux. Microsoft may be powerful, but it’s not invincible.

On the other hand, Microsoft could win the hearts of millions by contributing financially and through its development resources to help build its acquired Linux distributions and complimentary applications. It could continue to monetize from the closed and open apps to fluff its bottom line. As such, it would have both markets cornered. What more could it possibly want?

Microsoft, here’s something for you to consider. For the Linux enthusiasts reading this, don’t be offended. Just because I’m suggesting Linux to become a division of Microsoft, it doesn’t mean I’m condoning a closed source environment for Linux. With the amount of resources Microsoft has, and its potential threat to Linux, it only makes sense for the two competitors to merge and keep everyone satisfied.

Click here to get the latest prices on Linux distributions!