Letters To The Editor

Is Microsoft Worried About Open Source?

’d like to preface this by saying that I’ve been continuing my very interesting dialogue with Pete Houston, Microsoft’s Man on Linux, who was at the LinuxWorld event in San Francisco last week (a brave man). He assures me that Microsoft views Linux as a definite competitor, but that they have no plans to be in the Linux business themselves.

In the meantime, we continue to hear stories, here and abroad, about Microsoft vigorously opposing government interest in adopting Linux as a standard for government use.

Amy, you've probably already read this from ZDNET, but just in case you haven't I thought you'd be interested.  I think there is real concern at Microsoft over Open Source software being seriously considered as a viable alternative to MS by governments worldwide (and particularly in the United States where state, local and federal agencies are experiencing a VERY bleak budget situation for at least the next year).

MS leads lobby against open source http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104-949527.html

Dave Kistner

Dave,

Thanks for bringing this to my attention.  I have noticed both the increasing interest by governments in Linux and Microsoft's reaction. There is actually an interesting economic discussion to be had here for developing countries -- but it's not the one that's being offered. Governments could choose to enjoy the pricing available in the Open Source market if they want to, without creating policies that would prevent the creation or growth of commercial software industries in their countries (which they might want to encourage).  That's very different than telling governments they can't buy Open Source. 

Amy

.

(back to top)