Microsoft Loses Showdown in Houston

An anonymous reader writes "It seems the city of Houston has decided against using Microsoft software. It really is amazing how much it costs to use (and maintain) software. I can't help but wonder if this will become a trend." Turns out they decided on the relativly unknown SimDesk suite, which has nothing to do with The Sims, sadly. Many, many posts about this. In additional news seldo writes "There's an interesting interview on News.Com with Peter Houston. He discusses Microsoft's changing attitude in competing with Linux -- no longer calling it a "cancer" but instead promoting the advantages of Windows."

Comments

4th post?

[Anonymous Coward]

Spent too much time reading the headline, and didn't realize that there weren't any posts on the story :(

More Kelly Clarkson, less Justin Guarini

[Anonymous Coward]

If I wanted to see Sideshow Bob, I'd watch The Simpsons. Kelly, on the other hand, has a gorgeous caboose.

I'm proud of My home town

[Rudy Rodarte]

For not going out and looking for alternatives. Also, that simPrinter looks pretty cool. Check this out:

With SimPrinter, any computer can print to any printer connected to the Internet. This patented process works like this: User A is viewing a file in his office and needs to print it to his client's office for his client to sign. He selects a printer connected to a computer in his client's office. The mainframe computer at the Service Provider then spools the file to the computer in the client's office and instructs the printer there to print the data. Once the printing is complete, the computer in the client's office notifies the mainframe. The mainframe in turn notifies the user in User A's office.

Printers are given names that can be given out to other users in much the same way a fax number is given out. However, instead of receiving a poor copy of a contract from your lawyer on your fax machine, you can get a sharp, crisp copy printed on your laser printer.

Sweet! Imagine priting out pr0n and such on your buddy's computer and have his momma find it! Good times.

First thoughts on the choise of Simdesk..

[rasjani]

Where that people who have heard about OSS software and are actually reviewing oss projects to be used in their environment will eventually realize that hey, "If these guys do it for free and things are this good, there might be even better (for them) even if it costs or not when comparing to Microsoft products".

So, it OSS will create competition even thou it might not be gaining market share. Which is good imho.

Re:Err

[Fig, formerly A.C.]

Alternately, people could just learn how to f*cking spell everyday words correctly. How tough is that? These aren't exactly college level words, you know.

Re:Sim - Houston - I wonder why

[Anonymous Coward]

Motherfucker. All Linux users are unshaven, dirty hippies living in their shacks in Montana. Why does everything have to be a fucking conspiracy to you? And, do you really care? Does your (misplaced) anger fix anything?