Microsoft's love-hate relationship with open-source software can be epitomized by recent efforts to enhance interoperability and lure developers to Windows.

In December, the software giant introduced a pilot program called NXT to make it easier for independent software vendors (ISVs) with non-Microsoft technologies, including Linux and Unix developers, to tailor their products to the Microsoft operating system.

Run by Microsoft's partners, the NXT program offers software development support, technical briefings, testing and marketing campaign funding to these software makers. A representative of the Redmond, Wash.-based company said the program is still in the pilot stage.