Mozilla accepts, will work with Microsoft to see Firefox, Thunderbird work on Vista

Sam Ramji, director of Microsoft's Open Source Software Lab, had posted an invitation to a Mozilla development newsgroup website, saying his company had decided to include open source developers in upcoming programs.

Mike Beltzner, Mozilla phenomenologist, then posted a reply saying Mozilla and Microsoft developers are already communicating with each other.

"I think we're already in discussion with someone on your team about this, but for the record: yes, we'd definitely be interested in getting some one-on-one support," he wrote. "We have, of course, been testing on Vista and (developers have been working together) to ensure that we take advantage of the new ‘default program' infrastructure."

A Mozilla spokeswoman referred to the posting today when asked for comment.

Mozilla, praised for expanded security measures and pop-up blocking, now occupies up to 15 percent of the web browser market, according to some studies.

The next generation Vista OS will offer a bevy of new security features for home and office users and will simplify IT security for system administrators, according to public statements from Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman, and other top company officials.

Ramji, unavailable for comment according to a Microsoft spokesman, had invited Mozilla representatives to Redmond to take part in four-day program.

"As part of my mission as an advocate for open source applications on Windows, I've gotten spaces set aside at the Windows Vista readiness independent software vendor lab," he wrote.

Click here to email online editor Frank Washkuch Jr.