Microsoft took a step toward aligning with the open source community today. As described here, the company made the use of their web service specifications open to all, with minimal (if any) restrictions. A couple of notable points in my opinion - first, it was done apparently with collaboration and feedback from members of the open source community, and as a result, would seem to allow use of the specifications and relevant patents in open source projects. It seems to me that Microsoft, as well as the open source community will benefit if Microsoft can find a middle ground with open source - and it is good to see a step in the right direction.