Second Linux memo leaked from Microsoft

A second internal memo containing details of Microsoft's concerns that Linux could threaten its Windows operating system has been leaked.

The memo - allegedly written by a Microsoft developer - refers to Linux as a 'best of breed Unix' product, and calls for an investigation into the effect combating the operating system would have on patents and copryrights.

Unlike the leak of the first memo, the news prompted Microsoft to issue an official response. Ed Muth, enterprise marketing group manager at Microsoft, got straight to the point, saying: "Linux is a competitor on the client and the server."

However, Muth's statement conflicts with a response given to Silicon.com last week by the company's UK Windows product manager, Nick McGrath, who maintained that Linux and open source are not seen as threats at the moment.

Clive Longbottom, strategy analyst at CSL Consulting, recently told Silicon.com that Microsoft is not really concerned about Linux and has been exaggerating how seriously it threatens Windows to deflect the attention of the US Department of Justice.