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Would You Date Microsoft?

teslatug writes "Channel9 has an interview with Bill Hilf of the Open Source Software Lab at Microsoft. Hilf argues that the majority of companies advocate open source solely so that they can drive customers to their core business, which is not open source. He calls this his 'donut theory.' Hilf also sees RedHat in this model, with support being their core. He compares this to dating, where you have to offer your date value in order to entice them. In his view, Microsoft offers developers a platform where they can make money selling their software. The virtues of 'free as in freedom' and the value of open source to the desktop users are skirted, but he makes an interesting point about big businesses like IBM and Oracle."

12 of 247 comments (clear)

  1. Surprised? by mqduck · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wow. So IBM only supports Linux because it thinks it'll make them money? Next you're going to tell me that Apple only sells iPods for the same reason. Or that the purpose of a business is to make a profit.

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    Property is theft.
  2. I'd never date MS.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...She has too many viruses :(

  3. marry then divorce by Mortirer · · Score: 5, Funny

    Only if i can get half of everything after it.

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    Curiosity killed the cat, but cats have 9 lives.
  4. Re:My Linux Annoyances as a Hardended Windows user by Schlemphfer · · Score: 3, Funny
    >Now, I am a 100% Win fan. I love it; things just work.



    How was this not moderated "Score 5, Funny"?

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    I'm generally "Interesting," "Insightful," and even "Funny" here. What the hell happens to me at parties?
  5. Re:My Linux Annoyances as a Hardended Windows user by ComaVN · · Score: 3, Funny

    Because it's mostly true?

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  6. Date - to mark or supply with a timestamp by noidentity · · Score: 3, Funny

    Sorry, this is Slashdot. What is this concept of "date" you refer to?

  7. I'd date Microsoft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'd just never let it drive my car

  8. Re:I'm not sure by cp.tar · · Score: 3, Funny

    Microsoft fucks you on the first date, marries you and forces you to an EULA - sorry, pre-nup - and turns into a wife who gets everything if you decide to leave her.

    It's a date I'd avoid, thank you so very much.

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  9. ... and what's even worse is ... by j3tt · · Score: 5, Funny

    I've tried all kinds of protection but none of them work.

    1. Re:... and what's even worse is ... by just_another_sean · · Score: 5, Funny

      It just goes to show that the best defense is still abstinence. ;-)

      --
      Creationist Textbook Stickers Declared Unconstitutional by CowboyNeal
  10. Re:My Linux Annoyances as a Hardended Windows user by Loco+Moped · · Score: 3, Funny

    1999 just called - they want their Linux FUD back.

  11. Sorry Microsoft... by merc · · Score: 3, Funny

    But google and I have been seeing each other lately -- I think it might be serious too, we've gone out every night this week.

    --
    It's true no man is an island, but if you take a bunch of dead guys and tie 'em together, they make a good raft.