Having previously upset software developers by implementing a ban on the sale of open source software in its app store, Microsoft has reversed its decision.<\/p>\n
The company says that it has listened to feedback -- which was vocal and negative -- and has updated the Microsoft Stores Policies, removing references to open source pricing. Microsoft has also clarified just why it put the ban in place.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/p>\n
The policy changes that effectively banned the sale of open source came into force last month, but Microsoft has already been forced to backtrack in the face of mounting criticism.<\/p>\n
In a series of tweets announcing the latest policy changes that remove this ban, Microsoft's Giorgio Sardo says that the previous policy was intended to \"help protect customers from misleading product listings\":<\/p>\n
He goes on to say that Microsoft wants to help support developers and to give them flexibility:<\/p>\n
In a policy history update, Microsoft makes a brief explanation of the change:<\/p>\n
Update to 10.8.7 to remove language related to open-source or other free software.<\/p>\n
The latest version of the Microsoft Store policy document can be seen here.<\/p>\n
Image credit: yu_photo \/ Shutterstock<\/p>\n
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