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Microsoft's New Linux-Based Wireless Network
MECC points to an article about Microsoft's new wireless network. From the article "The next time Bill Gates sends an e-mail through Microsoft's shiny new Wireless LAN it will be passed through a behind-the-scenes Linux-based network appliance." Microsoft has partnered with Aruba Networks for a large corporate wireless LAN deployment, involving 277 buildings and 5000 access points, 'all Linux based.'"
Yes.
I really don't understand why this counts as news. As much as I, and many members of the Slashdot community, dislike Microsoft's business practices, Microsoft generally makes business decisions which are good for Microsoft and Microsoft's shareholders. In this case, in particular, Microsoft is showing that they're able to use the best tool for the job they need to have done.
They may try to say that Linux isn't ready for the desktop, but I somehow doubt that's the point. Linux is fine on the desktop; Linux currently has trouble on laptops, and that's where Linux developers need to focus. Windows XP Professional works better, at least where power management is concerned, on my cheap Dell Inspiron; As an undergraduate, money is at a premium, I buy the machine which is both within my budget and which will meet my needs.
Currently, I have few qualms (aside from GSA) with Windows XP, and it meets my needs better than Linux does where the power-management features of my laptop are concerned. ACPI functions poorly, at best, on my Inspiron. I can't close the lid and have it reliably enter a sleep state (and it never wakes correctly). I also cannot use OneNote, and there's no OSS equivalent to OneNote at the moment; OneNote makes organizing my notes from lectures and seminars much easier.
All that said, Linux runs on my desktop machine. I do think folks are overreacting quite a lot about Linux running on some WiFi appliances in Redmond. You use the best tool for the job, or you're not going to be able to get the job done as efficiently.
Is there a better equivalent to the latest version of DirectX?
== Jez ==
Do you miss Firefox? Try Pale Moon.
I mean, really, how boring are these stories?
Ok, so Microsoft uses Linux in some places, and some Microsoft employees have iPods, so what?
Next thing you know, they'll be sending reporters down to the local Ford plant to find out how many GM cars there are in the parking lot.
We live in a diverse universe guys, get used to it.
Quidquid Latine dictum sit, altum videtur (anything said in Latin sounds important)