Mindcontroll :: View topic

M0nKeY · - Remember -

EITHER COURTING CONTROVERSY or speaking the unspeakable, those crazy analysts at the *CENSORED**CENSORED**CENSORED**CENSORED* group have decided that Microsoft is likely to end up flogging some sort of software designed to run on Linux, at some stage. Microsoft, of course, has denied that it has any plans to develop software for Linux, but may be forced to rethink because of the massive penetration the open source operating system (OSOS) is making and will continue to make into the server space.*CENSORED**CENSORED**CENSORED**CENSORED* reckons that Linux will be used on nearly half of new servers by 2007. The OSOS, currently commands around a 15 to 20 per cent market share, says the researcher. And, in a statement cited by Reuters, the *CENSORED**CENSORED**CENSORED**CENSORED* Group said: "We believe that, beginning in late 2004, Microsoft will begin moving some of its proprietary application enablers to the Linux environment. This will gradually include the major Microsoft back-office products, such as SQL Server, IIS, and Exchange." The researcher also reckons that the software giant will be forced to reappraise the pricing of its server operating system "so that it can be favourably compared against 'free' Linux." Microsoft has denied any plans to move any of its softwrae to Linux in a brazen attempt to play down the importance it the open source alternative to its own operating system offerings. But if *CENSORED**CENSORED**CENSORED**CENSORED*’s predictions for the uptake of Linux hold water, the Vole may be forced to consider developing for the platform in order to secure a slice of the pie for itself. Other than complaining that open source software deprives "innovators" like itself from amassing huge cash reserves with which to develop better products for its customers (or to throw after new markets like, er, consoles), Microsoft says it has no objections to open source products in principle.

js995 · Deletes your posts

Microsoft could well port their server software to linux. It makes sense for them to do so, because they make a lot more money on things like SQL Server Licences and Windows 2007 Advanced Ultra Uber Server edition than they do on more conventional products.

Also, they need to be able to compete, and their SQL Server product does have some features that arent in other OSS databases (AFAIK) that some developers lock themselves into.

Overall, this isnt as big a piece of news as it appears ... its just business sense really Very Happy