Microsoft’s transformation to a cross-platform services provider tells a story about a company that realizes abundance, not scarcity, is driving the market.

During Microsft’s dynasty days, its Windows operating system dominated the software landscape. It could squelch competition by encompassing similar features into its expansive Office suite.

That is until the little penguin showed up.

Today, Mary Jo Foley broke a story about Microsoft’s plans to port Linux to Windows Azure. It’s an expected turn. At NodeSummit, Microsoft discussed the importance of a cross-platform environment. Node.js, the open-source technology platform, suits Microsoft. Microsoft is trying to become more involved in open source. JavaScript is getting first-class status in the Microsoft development ecosystem. And Node.js does not compete with any Microsoft technologies – there is no .NET equivalent to Node.js.

Node.js is made for services providers as much as Linux has become a foundation for cloud-based infrastructures.

That’s evident in the job posting that Mary Jo Foley posted. It basically says Linux is coming to Microsoft’s cloud environments. Further, The Register reports that Microsoft is testing the popular Red Hat Linux for Windows Azure.

It’s a time of abundance. Cross-platform ecosystems now define the way developers create new services. Microsoft realizes this. The days of scarcity are over. Linux is expected to continue to grow and Microsoft wants in on that action and to be able to be a one-stop cloud shop that can handle all its customers’ needs – even Linux.