Is Microsoft taking dead aim at Linux?

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Welcome to bizaro world

At least we agree open source is a threat to MS in the
enterprise, indeed a position acknowledged by MS
themselves.

"but it strikes me that OpenOffice is just not that big a
threat -- at least not unless or until Linux starts making
real inroads into the consumer desktop space"

So the windows version of OpenOffice.org, you know the
one that doesn't require Linux. The version that has
the largest number of downloads. This isn't a threat to MS
Office market unless Linux make inroads into the consumer
desktop?

Please OOo is a threat to MS Office, and its availability on
Linux (where MS Office isn't) makes that platform a more
viable desktop replacement.

"If they lose on appeal in the EU courts, they will have a
multi-language product on the shelves that they can ship
to Europeans, in compliance with EU demands -- while
Americans continue to pay top dollar."

What have you read about the EC ruling that would suggest
this? The ruling requires i) payment of a fine, ii) a version of
windows without WMP, iii) open protocols to competitors.

The asian Lite versions does nothing to address the EC
ruling.

"Aside from sending the message that Microsoft is no
longer the bully but is willing to negotiate its disputes (a
strategy that probably costs them a great deal less than
litigation), I think Microsoft is indeed clearing the decks --
but for an all out assault on Linux"

These settlements are all from the DoJ case against MS in
the USA and the Finding of Facts in that case. MS only
choice to settling these cases was to fight, a position very
difficult given the Findings of Fact were already upheld on
appeal.

They aren't doing this to be nice, it is costing them billions.

"Actually, an assault on the GPL is probably the more likely
scenario."

What even suggests this? Who's talking about an assault on
the GPL? On what grounds do you think such an assault
would work? Give us something!

"Clearing up matters with Novell only strengthens
Microsoft's position and puts Novell precariously close to
the edge if either 1) SCO prevails in proving Unix
ownership, or 2) Microsoft goes after the GPL itself and
prevails."

SCO is fighting a breach of contract claim against IBM and
MS isn't going after the GPL. This is like saying MS is in a
precarious position if everybody stopped buying their
software. It has no standing in reality.

"Aligned with Sun Microsystems -- the only truly
"untouchable" Unix license holder, and duly licensed by
SCO, Microsoft would be a formidable opponent indeed."

No one is untouchable by SCO. IBM and others have had
Unix Sys V licenses before SCO even existed, and they are
now in court.

MS is a formidable opponent because of its money, Sun
gives them nothing.

"And, a Linux (or GPL) defeat in the U.S. courts would make
any EU decision empty."

THE EC CASE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GPL OR LINUX

Posted by: Richard Flude   Posted on: 11/09/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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