I would like to know how Microsoft is tackling the whole issue
vis-a-vis open source software (linux) in terms of strategy /
engagement with stakeholders such as industry analysts and government
and with the software
community in general (especially in emerging markets like India). In
this battle with Linux, what are the predominant tools that MS has
used to proactively engage with stakeholders on this issue - PR;
advertising; conferences & seminars; direct engagement with analysts
etc? Thank you.
They are using the Get the Facts campaign, which claims to have
numbers regarding the TCO of Linux v. Windows that are neutral, and
that the numbers favor MS. They also have a large patent file that
Balmer has said he will use if Linux gets too popular. Finally, they
have the same old strategy of WGA and TV ads.
*[0]Microsoft has invested in market researchs that basically prove
"Windows is superior over *nix" --> when it comes to overall cost and
functionality.
Yet more and more businesses, governments and people all over the
world are switching to open source.
[0]
://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=microsoft+sponsored+study+linux&btnG=Google+Search&meta=
....and/or worms, I meant to say.
Last I checked, there were maybe half a dozen to a dozen viruses
and/or for Linux. Some were "proof of concept" bugs that required
direct user intervention, but there were some that could quite easily
spread by themselves -- at least, to computers that hadn't had their
server programs updated in quite a long time indeed.
I am on Linux right now. Therefore my opinion is no more neutral than
that of MS folks.
In my experience, their main weapon is called FUD. This means Fear;
Uncertainty; and Doubt. Recently, they have cleaned up their act a
bit, but in the past Microsoft adherents (who may not be specifially
authorized by the company for their conduct) have deviated from
reality in their propaganda.
They say things like: There are 800 viruses for Linux. Thus countering
the FACT that Linux has no viruses. Alas, what they call viruses will
NOT work on a Linux machine at all. The computer owner must
deliberately install the virus, an unlikely event of course, and by
definition this is not a true virus. They also say that the only
reason Linux has no viruses is because not enough computers exist to
justify vandals making them. The real reason Linux has no viruses is
because each file has permissions, and all system files are writable
only with administrator rights, the user cannot change system files,
as viruses do in Windows. Also, trojans, DOS engines; spyware; etc.
They hire consultants to produce hypothetical studies showing that
Linux actually cost more than Windows when support is included. These
studies usually do not include full-time staff required by most large
corporations to reinstall, clean up invasions of various sorts; and
try to retrieve lost documents, things which are somewhat unlikely in
Linux.
(Some years ago, I was making a book of my letters home from the Army,
while visiting Mexico City. Accidentally, something closed my program
and I had not saved my work, this is a common disaster with computers.
When I opened the program again, I was notified my work had been saved
automatically on shutdown, and did I want to open it again. Sure
enough did! Many Win apps do have the option of Save at intervals but
you lose all work since last Autosave.)
In Peru a few years ago, the legislature was debating a law which
required the use of Open Source, which includes Linux, of course. The
US actually sent the Ambassador to "warn" the nation that this would
cause a breakdown of relations with the US. The proposal was dropped.
In several cases, when countries stated their intention to drop MS
because of costs, the company has sent its highest executives to offer
special discounts.
At this time, there are real reasons many may not wish to use Linux
that are presented against Linux. Most Linux is installed on Windows
compatible computers, not designed for Linux, and that is hard to deal
with except for advanced computer users.
Also, many favorite applications have not been ported to Linux. This
is especially true for games, which are popular with many computer
users.
There are games for Linux, but not the really high powered action
games. This is not the fault of Linux, but it is reality.
Yet, at the same time, there are very good reasons for less developed
countries to use Linux. Extremadura, Spain started a linux program
for the purpose of giving its young programmers a job at home, instead
of them needing to move to the USA. That distro is called LinEx.
They produce the distro itself, and Province money is used to pay for
development of special programs, such as agriculture applications.
And, just last week, China announced all new computers bought by the
government had to be certified as usable with Linux.
There are a number of news sources on this topic. www.justlinux.com
has on that page a number of current news items each day, and this
sort of thing is one popular topic.
Most usage of computers works great on Linux, and buying preinstalled
computers eliminates most problems. Frankly, FUD works because most
users are afraid to try something new or different. View Ratings for maniac-ga::
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Microsoft versus Linux