February 23, 2010 - Microsoft, which has long maintained that Linux violates various patents belonging to the software giant, announced that it has entered into a licensing deal with Amazon.
According to CNET News, "The deal covers both Amazon's Kindle product as well as the company's use of Linux-based servers. Microsoft has maintained that many implementations of Linux infringe on its patents and has signed numerous licensing deals that cover Linux with both companies that sell Linux-based software and those that use the operating system in their hardware."
The deal amounts to a license for Amazon to use Linux - not a Microsoft product - and is a clear sign of Amazon "playing it safe" in case the Microsoft vs. FOSS (free and open source software) battle ever makes it to court. The amount of money involved in the deal was not publicly disclosed.