Channel ambition is not a conspiracy

TalkBack 14 of 21:

Next »

« Previous

• Thread View
• Flat View

No coincidence

I submit that the fact you cannot find one SKU in the U.S. for a 'Dual Core or better' PC with Linux or No O/S installed in a Brick and Mortor Retail PC store is symptomatic.

OEMs like Dell, HP do sell varied machines with Linux preinstalled purchasable on the Internet, but NOT in walk-in stores.

A 'spineless' VP for ASUS 'apologizing' to MS for demoing a Netbook with Qualcomm's Snapdragon ARM processor on the first day of Computex 2009 and then pulling the product off of the floor never to be seen again for the remainder of Computex is a backlash from a call placed by MS.

Does MS have language in their OEM contracts that is 'coercive'? That might explain the ASUS VP's behavior. They are afraid of legal/economic repercussions if they make MS unhappy.

This does nothing to benefit the consumer whose right to choice is being harmed.

No alternative choices leaves consumers with an Apple product tied to Apple Hardware or any other PC SKU with Microsoft Windows preinstalled.

Given the perceived risk assumed by consumers who use Windows to go on the Internet, I would submit that consumers all the more need alternatives to Windows.

Because MS-OEM agreements are protected by Non-Disclosure Agreements, no one knows their content but an inquiry into the matter ought to be considered by the DOJ who still babysit a watch on MS for their prior Antitrust violations.

The FTC could act on this as a matter of real risk (care for a Conficker anyone?) to the consumer who is forced to use Windows vs a SAFER alternative O/S such as Ubuntu Linux. Section 5 of the FTC Act addresses various abuses which may cause consumers to be put in harms way by manufacturers practices deemed illegal.

Thanks

Posted by: Dietrich T. Schmitz   Posted on: 06/22/09 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

Alert moderator to an offensive message

Subscribe to this discussion via Email or RSS

SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads

• Five Steps to Determine When to Virtualize YourServers VMware Server virtualization isn't just for big companies. Entry-level ... Download Now
• Why Isn't Server Virtualization Saving Us More? A Few Small Changes May Dramatically Increase Your Efficiency VMware Companies have rapidly adopted server virtualization over the past few ... Download Now
• Building the Virtualized Enterprise with VMware Infrastructure VMware VMware virtualization software has been adopted by over 120,000 enterprise ... Download Now