Microsoft to support Novell's SuSE Linux

Hot on the heels of a deal with Zend, a commercial vendor of PHP products for Windows, Microsoft announced an even bigger deal: Redmond will include maintenance and support for Novell SuSE Linux as part of corporate sales of Windows, AP reports.

"They said it couldn't be done. This is a new model and a true evolution of our relationship that we think customers will immediately find compelling because it delivers practical value by bringing two of their most important platform investments closer together," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement.

In addition, Microsoft has pledged not to assert its patent rights over any of its technology that may be blended with Suse Linux. This addresses corporate concerns about using Linux because of the threat Microsoft would retaliate with patent actions.

Bangalore changes its name to appease locals

Just as Bombay has become Mumbai, Indian tech center Bangalore is switching its name to its vernacular original, Bengalooru. Reuters reports:

Although it has traditionally been among India's more cosmopolitan centers, the increased migration over the last decade has alienated some locals and led to the resurgence of regional chauvinistic groups, analysts say.

Their campaign seeking primacy for the local Kannada language -- which they say is threatened by the influx -- has seen shops and businesses in Bangalore removing English signboards and instead prominently displaying Kannada signs.