It is always beneficial when standards and best approaches are shared between vendors, as security, interoperability, and efficiencies improve.

Microsoft Announcement - Offers greater interoperability with 3rd parties
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/interoperability/default.mspx

QUOTE: Microsoft today announced a set of broad-reaching changes to its technology and business practices to increase the openness of its products and drive greater interoperability, opportunity and choice. These changes are codified into four new interoperability principles and corresponding actions: 1) ensuring open connections; 2) promoting data portability; 3) enhancing support for industry standards; and 4) fostering more open engagement with customers and the industry, including open source communities.