Like Microsoft's other announcements concerning Linux patent-protection deals, this one doesn't make clear how much Casio is paying to cover its use of Linux versus how much it is paying for licenses of other technologies that may be included in the deal.

While on analyst once estimated that Microsoft is earning sold by HTC, there have been no similar estimates as to how much Microsoft may be earning on its Linux licensing deals. It is outlaying cash as part of the SUSE deal. Microsoft has agreed to pay a total of $440 million, first to Novell and then with a with Attachmate, to buy and resell SUSE subscriptions. 

Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 700 licensing agreements.

Julie Bort is the editor of Network World's Microsoft Subnet and Open Source Subnet communities. She writes the Microsoft Update and Source Seeker blogs. Follow Bort on Twitter @Julie188.

in Network World's Software section.