Microsoft Denies Working on Linux Ports

After reports surfaced yesterday claiming the software giant is working on porting applications to Linux, Microsoft sent word to BetaNews denying the rumors, specifically touching on Office. "No, Microsoft does not have plans to offer a Linux version of Office," wrote a Microsoft spokesperson. Similar rumors also appeared earlier this year, after Microsoft requested Linux developers on their job site.

Microsoft added, "Based on the extensive research that we do across many types of productivity application users, we're hearing that today Linux does not offer customers the necessary infrastructure for a productivity suite like Office and we do not feel the level of operating system services is mature enough that we could offer a release of Office that would meet customer expectations. However, we are always continuing to evaluate the marketplace and base our development on the needs that customers express."

Because of the complexity in porting such applications, rumors like these have always caused quite a stir in the community. Keep checking BetaNews for any further news regarding Microsoft's involvement with Linux.