"We truly believe in the potential of software innovation, once freed from the fetters of proprietary development." Thus spake Matthew Szulik, Chairman and CEO of Red Hat, on behalf of both himself and Marc Fleury (pictured), on the day that Red Hat announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Fleury's company JBoss.

"We chose a future in which I am proud to take part," wrote Fleury himself, in an exhilarated blog entry announcing the move.

In characteristically frank Fleury style, the blog entry also addressed the whys and the wherefores behind the agreement:

"Why take this step you may ask? When evaluating any major decision that impacts JBoss' future, I ask myself the following question: Which option will increase our chances of delivering on our mission to transform the way “we develop, distribute and support software”?

JBoss, Inc. had many options. I believe this will provide the best future for our community, our customers, our partners, our employees."

"Our investors and employees get instant-IPO liquidity, an IPO was possible and indeed planned but in this day and age of Sarbanes-Oxley the right M&A provides liquidity and reduces much of the risk.

You have all worked hard and long hours and I am happy that this liquidity is coming your way, you all deserve it."