Novell beta mixes SuSE Linux, NetWare

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MS v its competitors - free software changes the equation

For a long while now hardware companies, from IBM to Sony, have been betting the farm on Linux in order to help free themselves from Microsoft dominance.

Likewise, major government and corporate users have been drifting in that direction as well, and for many of the same reasons.

Novell is different. Novell is really the first major software company, since the Corel fiasco (which really began long before they discovered Linux), to place major bets on Linux and free software. Oh sure, there were/are others, but they all started out as Linux distros or are minor fringe players. It is looking more and more like Novell will find a way to make money off of Linux and, at the same time, keep Redmond at bay. If Novell is successful through the coming year, look for other major software players to move into Linux big time.

It looks like a very happy new year for all but Microsoft. They will need to learn to adapt to the new landscape. They have done it before, perhaps they will do it again. Since they are actually buying into Linux companies now (Vintela for example), perhaps even Microsoft will finally find a way to make money off of Linux.

They will need to do something. Their numbers are sickly. Most observers don't see the danger to Microsoft since they are still experiencing robust growth. But the problem for Microsoft is that their growth is rapidly decelerating, and if rapid growth decelerationn remains unaddressed, the end result is a turn from growth to downsizing and actual losses. The problems for Microsoft are not now, but in the future. But in the tech world, the future is always on the doorstep.

Posted by: George Mitchell   Posted on: 12/28/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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