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Microsoft's Platform Strategist Speaks On Linux
prostoalex writes "Martin Taylor, general manager for platform strategies at Microsoft, was interviewed by CRN magazine on Linux, open source development, and Microsoft's official stand on it."
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what's next? apple gets sued for music copyright infringement? oh wait...
...but I bet he's against it
Didn't MS just released the source code for Windows a few days back???? ;)
Consensus is good, but informed dictatorship is better
Just because you have a bunch folks out in the community that have the access to look at open-source product means that, by default, it will be more secure or higher quality.
Shouldn't there be a "doesn't" in there somewhere, or is he arguing FOR open source?
We read about Linux on a website called 'Slashdot' where they've been predicting world domination every year for the past 6-7 years, and frankly, we were quite frightened. We finally got around to installing it to see what all the fuss was about, and maybe figure out why they make that prediction every year, and well, we're not really worried any more.
Love, Microsoft.
So in some ways, we've got a McDonald's No. 5 super-size offering that costs $2.99 and someone just wants a Diet Coke that costs 99 cents. So do we cut the entire super-size No. 5 down to 98 cents, or do we try to find a way to just give somebody the Diet Coke if that's what they want?
Does that make Linux some kind of free lunch then?
CRN: On the face of it, one could conclude that interest in Linux is the market's way of telling Microsoft that Windows pricing needs to change. What message do you think the market is trying to send?
TAYLOR: I would actually look at a similar construct but a different answer. You have to ask one of two questions. Is it either a) Windows is priced too high, or b) are we offering the right product at the right price point? We position Windows server as a multifunction server that does a variety of things. So in some ways, we've got a McDonald's No. 5 super-size offering that costs $2.99 and someone just wants a Diet Coke that costs 99 cents. So do we cut the entire super-size No. 5 down to 98 cents, or do we try to find a way to just give somebody the Diet Coke if that's what they want?
Actually it is more like you (Micrsoft) have a McDonald's No. 5 supersize, and your buddy (Linux) is offering for you to come over to cook barbecued steaks!
I think he's saying the future versions of Windows will dispense Diet Coke, but I could be mistaken.
Microsoft is better for Joe Small Business Owner who knows about as much about computers as he does marketing his crappy product from his parents' basement. Who cares if his system is taken down every 10 minutes? 3 people a year buy his crap.
We're not as good as Linux for bigger businesses because they can afford to hire someone who might actually know something about how to use Linux, and therefore utilize its power. After all, it's more secure and more versatile, and you can develop your own applications for it.
Linux is actually more expensive if you choose to buy one of the commercial server distributions like RedHat or SuSE. We're just going to pretend that someone can easily get another distribution OR this same one for free off the Internet.
Linux support is harder to come by than Microsoft support! Never mind that the costs between getting a certified Linux technician and an MCSE are the same -- you can call Computer Bob who hangs out down at the local bar and have him service your Windows computer because he picked up 2000 Server for Dummies at Barnes and Noble the other day.
Ad nauseam.
IAALS.
Doh !
I think he is saying that if a customer is ordering a super-size offering and a Diet coke, the customer is as stupid as ever :)
Free XBox, PS2
I tried babelfish but it made no difference. Is there a web site that will translate that interview into English - or any known human laguage?
buy one and install it on a thousand machines. Fully legal, according to the EULA. Try that with Windows and see what happens...
Um, I did do that with Windows. Is that wrong? And what's this yoola thing you mention?
<sound of BSA crashing through the door>
Actually, I'd think it's more apt to describe it as:
Windows: McDonalds: Crappy food, Crappy service, but everyone knows where to find it and there's probably one close to your office. Still, it's usually easy enough for users to find, so they stick with it because they aren't willing to go the extra mile for a better experience.
Mac: A nicer burger joint; good service, great food, but still a resteraunt, so you still have to put up with stuff like "no shoes, no shirt, no service," and occasional mishaps from the waitstaff and chefs that make things less pleasant than they could be. Also, it's difficult to get anything but burgers, because they're a smaller chain.
Linux: A big potluck in the park, where a whole bunch of people gathered together to provide food for everyone. Food is good, but there's no menu, so you often have to wander around looking for what you really want. And you can bring your own if you'd like; if it's better than what someone else brought, theirs gets thrown out and you get their spot at the table, or if it's something new, they'll make room.
Yeah, I know; the metaphor now officially out of control. Somebody call the JDF!
-Z
Customer: How much for an order of Windows?
... How many bugs do I get with that?
MS: (With a big smile.) $2.50
Customer: $2.50!?
MS: Uhhhhh...About 5 bugs.
Customer: Ahhh... (Counts change.) Well, I guess thats about 50 cents a bug?
MS: Uh yeah, about. But they are some doozys!
Customer: Ok, lemme get 1.
MS: Right on, (calls into the back) 1 order of Windows!
(Back): One order!
Customer: No no...1 bug.
MS: (Smile fadeing.) One bug?
Customer: (Rubs belly.) I sure need a server!
MS: (Calls to back again, smile is gone.) Make that 1 bug in the server.
(Back): One bug?!
MS: (To back.) One bug. (To customer.) What else?
Customer: Do you have any webservers?
MS: (With thinly veiled patience.) One dollar!
Customer: Awww, come on now look out for a brother. Linux costs less than that. Why don't you just let me get some http for 15 cents?
MS: (With anger.) My middle mangers cost more than 15 cents!
Customer: Allright, fuck the http, just give me the source for a dime!
Really, I know what I'm doing...Ohhhh, look at the shiny buttons!