| Friday, November 8, 2002 |
09:27 - Time for a change of tactics?
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/28008.html
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Thomas C. Greene of The Register reports on the backfiring of Microsoft's attempts to slay Linux through FUD:
The Beast has hired a research crew to do a bit of attitude sampling among the Great Unwashed in the US and abroad, and has found that slagging Linux is not winning it any points. In a company memo posted by Eric S. Raymond here we learn that regular folks are both eager for a Microsoft alternative and generally respectful of the open-source concept.
We also learn that bombastic hoots by Steve Ballmer likening the GPL to a virus are in fact offensive to many people. Outright lies, like Ballmer's claim that Windows is, overall, cheaper than Linux also haven't been playing well, the researchers discovered.
Well, duh. Who likes a petty, land-grubbing dictatorship who kicks any underdog who dares show its face?
What this might mean we're almost afraid to ask. But apparently we can expect Ballmer to start waxing sentimental about how wonderful Linux and the GPl are, second only to Windows and the license that keeps on taking.
"In the short term, then, Microsoft should avoid criticizing OSS and Linux directly, continue to develop and aim to eventually win the TCO argument."
Not that they need worry. After all, if they commit monopoly crimes, the worst they can expect as chastisement is the DoJ sending some infant judge to set off across-country toward Redmond on a tricycle, there to lie on the ground and make colicky fussing noises while Microsoft goes about its business.
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