He has analysed complex proprietary protocols and algorithms, to allow compatible free and open source software implementations.

Tridgell was a major developer of the Samba software, analyzing the Server Message Block protocol used for workgroup and network file sharing by Microsoft Windows products.

[2] In April 2005, Tridgell tried to produce free software (now known as SourcePuller) that interoperated with the BitKeeper source code repository.

This was cited as the reason that BitMover revoked a license allowing Linux developers free use of their BitKeeper product.

Tridgell's involvement in the project resulted in Torvalds accusing him of playing dirty tricks with BitKeeper.