It could also be that open source/free software has become so successful that Microsoft can't avoid bumping up against it anymore. The issue to fear, in my view

It could also be that open source/free software has become so successful that Microsoft can't avoid bumping up against it anymore. The issue to fear, in my view, is legislation that would potentially eviscerate open source licensing models. Microsoft, Red Hat, others providing money to open source initiatives is a double edged sword with good and potentially bad side effects.