Is Yahoo deal behind Microsoft's Open Source push?

Those looking for an ulterior motive in Microsoft's big Open Source push should look no further than its Yahoo takeover bid --- some believe that may be the real reason for the company seeing the light.

Believers in this theory, including several analysts who refused to go on the record, say that yesterday's announcement was little more than a desire on Microsoft's part to clear the regulatory decks. The move, the theory goes, is aimed at stopping the European Union's anti-trust investigation of Microsoft. That way, when a deal is finally struck to buy Yahoo, it would sail through, with no messy investigations required.

I'm not sure I buy that being the primary reason, though. More likely, I believe that Microsoft truly has recognized that a sea change is required if the company is to thrive. As I've written in my blog previously, the move is a way to stave off Google.

Of course, the move might also help speed through the Yahoo bid, which would help Microsoft as well. But I don't believe that's the primary motive.