Here we go again. Microsoft has once again timed its announcements and statements in such a way it makes just about anybody who uses or supports Linux and other open source software shake their heads with skepticism.

At the OSCON open source conference last July, then Microsoft General Manager of Platform Strategy Bill Hilf stated that despite some contradictory messages coming from the software giant (We want to work with Linux and open source/Linux and open source infringes on our IP and will be held accountable), it was not schizophrenic. Still, I think the company needs to come to terms with the fact that it is bipolar, at the least, when it comes to open source.

Hilf’s role at Microsoft was expanded this week. While still overseeing Microsoft’s open source and interoperability labs and strategy, Hilf will now be General Manager of Windows Server Marketing and Platform Strategy. At first glance, this seemed to hold both promise and potential trouble for open source fans. Would it mean Microsoft’s priority on positive open source strategy and Windows-Linux interoperability was getting a boost along with Hilf? Or would it mean that Microsoft’s open source ambassador might be acting more like his sometimes red-faced superior Steve Ballmer?

An unsettling indication came in short order as we got another dose of Microsoft’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde this week, appropriately in the UK. Mr. Hyde, I mean Ballmer again highlighted alleged IP infringements in open source software. This time, he was more specific, indicating that Red Hat Linux users, in a sense, owed Microsoft. It seems maybe Microsoft, or at least part of it, was emboldened by the Recording Industry Association of America court victory over an individual consumer. However, I would like to remind Microsoft, both its Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde sides, that the more appropriate example of suing users is SCO Group’s unsuccessful attack on Linux.