MESSAGE
| DATE | 2003-05-15 |
| FROM | Dave Williams
|
| SUBJECT | Subject: [hangout] Ballmer on Linux
|
Microsoft CEO Ballmer Talks Linux
Tony Lock
Bloor Research
http://www.it-analysis.com/article.php?articleid=10841
Last week Microsoft held a meeting in Berlin with European industry
analysts to discuss Linux and other Open Source Software (OSS), writes
Tony Lock, of Bloor Research. The day concluded with CEO Steve Ballmer
discussing Microsoft's position in the world.
The discussions began with Microsoft acknowledging that Linux and OSS is
appearing in a number of different segments. To kick things off the
company acknowledged that it lost credibility in the past by criticising
the Linux core (kernel and web server stack). It accepts that this core
now possesses credibility in the commercial world.
Broadly speaking, Microsoft sees the areas where an impact has been felt
as "Community" software (simple file and print services, e-mail and
firewall / cache), "Commercial quality Community" based software (Linux
kernel, networking, web serving) and true "Commercial" software (ISV
applications and databases such as Oracle and DB2).
The company believes that Linux solutions appeal to different
organisations for different reasons. For some, especially
price-sensitive SMB organisations, the low cost of purchase and its
ability to function on comparatively low cost hardware platforms appear
to be major attractions. For others it may be the ability to configure
OSS in a bespoke fashion that is the prime attraction.
When discussion turned to which platforms Linux is currently gaining
share from, opinions were divided. Microsoft believes that the major
movers behind Linux (in its opinion IBM and Intel) are using the OSS
movement as a means to disrupt the Unix market and that Unix systems
comprise the major source of movement. Others present proposed that
organisations are migrating from both Unix and Windows to Linux.
Ballmer was qcandid when he was asked about the current attention that
the company is now paying to Linux when compared to its former stance of
apparent unconcern. He simply smiled and responded that "we were neither
unconcerned nor unaware of Linux; we just tried not to show it!"
According to Ballmer it is obvious that the advent of Linux and OSS
means that Microsoft can no longer rely on the "we are cheaper to
acquire" message to win and retain customers. In recognising this the
company is now focusing much attention on its belief that its solutions
provide a much better TCO case than those currently available using
Linux-based tools.
He also stressed that "Innovation" and the creation of complete
solutions rather than simple software functionality would hold the key
to future success.
Ballmer once again made it clear that Microsoft had absolutely no plans
to port any of its substantial software library to Linux. Apart from
concerns centred on the possible impact that any accidental inclusion of
GPL code could have on the integrity of Microsoft's own intellectual
property, he argued that it could be counterproductive to the
development of its products.
Overall the day indicated that Microsoft is now happy to recognise that
the influence of Linux is growing. It is clear that we can now expect
Microsoft to attempt to build its case for Windows as an operating
system based on rational arguments rather than a simple dismissal.
It will be interesting to see how the company sets about promoting its
qualities versus those of open source. It will be even more fascinating
to monitor the response of customers, OSS advocates and the world at
large.
____________________________
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