Can someone help me understand this?

While drawing criticism for limiting Python execution to locked-down Azure cloud containers, Python in Excel has also earned accolades from the likes of Python creator Guido van Rossum, now a Microsoft Distinguished Engineer, as well as Pandas creator Wes McKinney.

Does this mean the creator of the Python language is a Microsoft employee now?

Further, does this mean that Python in spreadsheets only works in the cloud MS Office?

Then there’s this:

Left unmentioned in Monday’s announcement is that Microsoft managed to convince the USPTO to issue it a patent in July 2024 on the Enhanced Integration of Spreadsheets With External Environments (alt. source), which Microsoft explains covers the “implementation of enhanced integrations of native spreadsheet environments with external resources such as-but not limited to-Python.” All of which may come as a surprise to software vendors and individuals that were integrating Excel and external programming environments years before Microsoft filed its patent application in September 2022.

What are the implications now that this patent has been granted - considering there is nothing new with running scripting languages in spreadsheet applications like Libre Office Calc?

And I wonder: if a spreadsheet application vendor wanted to incorporate scripting in Python in their application, could they be hindered from doing so?

I’m curious to hear the thoughts of others on any of this news. Thank you.