Microsoft has inked a patent swap deal with Fuji Xerox that paves the way for the companies to use each other"s technology. The companies did not disclose financial terms of the agreement, except to say that funds will flow in both directions. Fuji Xerox will obtain access to Microsoft patents to use in products that include both proprietary and open-source software, such as Linux. "We are pleased to be able to reach a broad, mutually beneficial patent agreement with Microsoft that respects each company"s patent portfolio, encourages greater interoperability, and provides valuable protection for the customers of each company"s products and services," Fuji Xerox Senior Vice President Kiyoshi Saito said in a statement. Microsoft, will meanwhile be able to use Fuji Xerox technology in Office and other products. "This agreement is an example of our desire to share our innovations with other companies and build a stronger IT ecosystem through access to intellectual property," Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith said in a statement.