What Microsoft Could Learn from OSS and Linux

An anonymous reader writes "An article on OSWeekly.com discusses a few things that Microsoft could learn from OSS and Linux. 'As Microsoft continues to understand that open source does not mean they cannot generate a decent profit, I honestly wonder if they will eventually "get" that releasing MS Office code to the open source community is their only option. Since the whole threatening to sue thing will be met with the same fan base response, just like the RIAA, it is certainly not a wise decision. And if Microsoft thinks Open Office is a pain now, try suing people over it, then see how many people refuse to buy their products.'"

Comments

-1, Flamebait

[iamacat]

Releasing an open source product and recovering development costs through support, donations and government grants is NOT the only option this time. In fact, it's not an option at all for most currently sold software products, given the number of developers required to write and maintain them vs need for support and public goodwill.

Re:ha ha, you would know.

[Kalriath]

No, I don't sound like Steve Ballmer. I sound like ME. Yes, I would say the same sort of thing if I ever met you, because I do generally disagree with nearly everything you say. You don't like Microsoft. We get it, it's not a bloody religion you should preach. I don't like Stallman, I don't preach the evils of the FSF (even though their ultimate goals are noble, I just don't agree with the way Stallman goes about it. My opinion, your miles may vary).

Strangely, I only have one account on Slashdot - I try to get by on my own merits thanks. Unlike some others I could name.