Microsoft tries to fight piracy to protect THEIR product, and they are called evil. If Red Hat did that with some of their proprietary software, we'd have a bunch of people here telling us how this is the best thing since sliced bread.
We could go back and forth like this all day long...point for point. But I'll break it down like this:
1. Windows was in the Data Center first (except for mainframe and Unix...but hang with me for a minute) 2. Linux is the newcomer to the corporate world. 3. Companies are not going to dump their Windows environment for Linux, just because Microsoft has, admittedly, made no effort to integrate with Linux. We would be foolish to believe Gates / Ballmer would say "you know, it would be great if we could make our OS work with this new, free OS that is our direct competition." If they did, they would have their shareholders up in arms. My last company made great strides in integrating Linux into their corporate environment, but when you have a gazillion Exchange servers, you're not going to dump that. Just isn't going to happen. Same with SQL servers...not going to win that one either. 4. Now, Ballmer decides he can't beat Linux or Open Source decides that perhaps it is time to work together, because the customers are telling them they need to do so. Great. But don't expect him to change over night. Sure...he can say "all Linux users are fair game..." but what are the odds of that happening? Surely he's seen the fiasco that is the SCO lawsuit. He's not that stupid.
Look...if it were up to me, everyone would run Linux on the desktop and the server. I've done it for years, and with the exception of my work laptop, I'm either running Linux (Debian & SUSE) or Mac OSX. But it isn't up to me. IBM said they were going to switch everyone to a Linux desktop. They didn't. Novell said everyone was going to use a Linux desktop. A lot do, but not everyone. The plain and simple fact is that Microsoft is the world's largest software manufacturer. Ballmer is charged with protecting its interests. The Open Source lab and the deal with Novell are a good step. But as I said, we can't expect him and the ship that is Microsoft to change course over night. It takes time. Companies and individuals will also change over time, and more Linux will show up on the desktop and server. When I work with friends setting up businesses I recommend and help them implement Open Source software. But that is from the ground up. Trying to get bigger companies to make that change isn't easy, and they will stay with what they have because of what it would take to switch.
Come up with a tool that will seamlessly migrate Windows desktops and server to Linux with little to no down-time, and you'll be a Billionaire...guaranteed, and this discussion won't happen, because everyone will run Linux, because they can, and it won't hurt in the process of changing over.
It's not my place to ask. These are large, Fortune 500 or larger companies. They want something that works...period. If it doesn't work, they will look for something else that does.
If they do, I'll publicly admit I was very wrong in my assessment of the situation. I don't have any mod points, but if I did, I'd give you an "insightful" rating right now. Good post...very thought provoking.
I might be dead-wrong here. I might be so wrong that I'll lament ever supporting this. But I look at this as Microsoft finally admitting that Linux and Open Source are here to stay, and since they can't and won't beat it, why not see how to best work with it. The formation of the Port25 website and the Open Source lab is a good step in the right direction.
Their opinion absolutely matters. And while I applaud Allison for standing up for his convictions, I think they are poorly placed with this particular move.
Look...he can do what he wants, as can any other coder. They is his, and your right. However, it is my prediction that in two years, this agreement will be seen as the best thing to happen to Linux in the Enterprise. If I'm wrong, I'll gladly come back here to Slashdot and publicly state that I was foolish with my assessment.
* Novell gets a BIG chunk of money for this deal * Microsoft says it will not file any lawsuits against developers over any patent issues * Companies can use SUSE Linux and Windows and know that total interoperability is the goal of both Microsoft and Novell * HP, Goldman Sachs, IBM and others have called this a very positive thing for IT, Linux and Open Source * The only people who are complaining are those who are true *idealists* when it comes to Linux and Open Source
I don't know why this guy is leaving. This is a good thing all the way around for the Linux community. I have large customers (people who spend money on software AND use Open Source) who run Windows and Linux side by side. Their NUMBER ONE complaint has been lack of interoperability. They say that they will definitely continue to run Linux in their environment and will probably switch to SUSE Linux because of this agreement.
This agreement gives them the support they need to run their businesses...period. It does nothing more than that. I'm sorry to see him leave Novell, but this project will go on without him, and Linux, Open Source, and the IT community will be better off for this agreement. Hopefully he'll find a god place that can use his talents.
I'm seeing this as a HUGE opportunity to start the text document revolution. You can get really creative with characters and create some really romantic notes with text. Chicks would surely go nuts for a guy who could create character-based graphics with text!
No problem. Thanks for calling for clarification. Actually, I prefer a computer flying in foggy, cloudy weather. Somethings, a computer is better for hands-down. I don't know a pilot that doesn't like to use the auto-pilot and computer-aided landing system in zero-visibility conditions.
Not a troll at all. I don't know how much you fly or if you're a pilot, but let me try to clarify. And I think you raise a fair question.
A big part of flying is being able to feel and hear what is going on with the aircraft. Engine noises, turbulence, etc. are all things that a human needs to hear, and only years of experience can tell something doesn't sound or feel right. It is impossible to replicate exactly what is taking place in the air on the ground. While an airplane can fly right through most turbulent situations, I don't want to ride through it just because the plane can take it.
Let me give you another example. A few years ago I was on a flight where we started to leak hydraulic fluid. Three of us noticed the fluid on the window and pointed it out to the flight attendant. She got the Captain to look at it who later said that the leak had not yet registered on their instruments. Because a human was able to see, diagnose and respond to the problem, we were able to be diverted to an airfield where we got on a different plane.
I'm not against a computer flying it, as long as there are qualified warm bodies onboard ready to take over or make adjustments when necessary.
No way in hell I'll get on one of these unless there is a pilot there to take control if something goes wrong. As a business traveler with over a million miles in the sky, I like knowing that there are humans in the front hearing and feeling everything that is going on.
Thanks for clarifying that. My wife (Asian) took three months to come here, but it was pre 9/11. Sorry to hear it was tough. For those who come here legally, I think they should not have to put up with the BS that they do. I don't know when you came, but welcome. Glad you're here!
Having been all over the world in each direction, my family and I have adapted well to the European lifestyle, and if you were to come to our home, you'd see we adopted the best of everything -
* Daily exercise (a good portion of Europe values daily exercise) * Lunch is our main meal (taken from the French) * Red Wine with Lunch and / or dinner * Use of the Sauna & hot tub several times per week * Lack of bathing suit when we swim
What we discovered in our travels, and through our friendship with many Europeans, is that our lives were filled with so much stress that when we did it the European way, the stress level really went WAY down. Europeans are relaxed about simple nudity whereas Americans are so hung up about it. Europeans take time and enjoy their food (as does a large portion of the rest of the world) and Europeans have long discovered the health benefits of the sauna several times per week.
Now...that doesn't answer the original question, so I'll answer it this way. If I was moving to Europe to work, I'd probably go to Austria, Germany or France. If I was going to retire, I'd go to Croatia. Since it is MUCH harder for an American to move to Europe than for a European to move to the US...I'll probably be here until I can get my company to transfer me.
Been in IT for 15 years and travel globally for my company. Three kids and twelve happy years of marriage later (to the same woman) the key for us was my finding balance between work and life. I know a lot of IT guys who can't put their computers down "computersexuals" as that is their only life. When 5:00 PM hits, I step out of my desk and into the Dad / Husband role. From 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM I work a little more once the kids are asleep (while my wife does her thing) and then we do our thing. It's all about balance.
I mean heck, it would probably be the first planet to be demoted. How frigging humiliating. Kind of like being the first schmuck voted off Survivor and having to appear on the finale.
Jobs has always been passionate about Apple and the good things that come from it. Seeing as how Apple has been in the sights fo the SEC (as have many companies for the same thing lately) I can see how he'd take personally the issue of the company he started being targeted for something like this. It was / is his baby, and I can't image not letting something like this not having some adverse effect on your health.
Microsoft never really had a chance...did they? VMware simply rocks and supports a lot of platforms. Mhy Microsoft felt Virtual Server was even necessary was beyond me. Even when they give away free sessions, VMware STILL beats them hands-down.
I'd rather be left out in the cold and attempt to have some security than to have another plane fly into a building.
Hey...the system isn't prefect, but it's better than doing nothing. Some people, including Mexico itself are bitching because we want to secure our borders and build a fence. Funny though that Mexico has a fence at its Southern border, and nobody complains to them.
"Well, you seem to forget that you are not the first to have terrorist attacks. In fact you have had only one. In Europe we had a lot of it, only counting the last 30 years..."
Actually, we have had more than one...just one using aircraft. I wonder why that is? Maybe because we here in the US we take security fairly seriously. How exactly are we treating you like a criminal by ensuring our security? You're not going to convince anyone I know of that one. Europe is so concerned about giving everyone the freedom to do whatever the hell they want that when you look at the problems they have experienced with terrorism, I'm not surprised in the least. They don't deal with terrorism and problem individuals swiftly enough...they tollerate extremism and subversion in favor of "diplomatic solutions" which never work with these people. I hope the UK is getting blasted in Europe for kicking our extremists...at least they are taking a stance where the rest of Europe will not.
This is crap. As someone who flies international several times a year, I have no problem with the 34 pieces of information being provided to the country where the flight I am on is landing. People who DO have a problem with this forget that four aircraft were hijacked on Sept. 11th and that thousands in the US (all nationalities) died that day. I'd be willing to bet that if that happened in Frace, Germany or anyone else, they'd demand the same thing.
If they don't like it, they don't have to fly here. I've got no problem with that.
Now...give me that troll rating (I'm expecting it)
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Microsoft tries to fight piracy to protect THEIR product, and they are called evil. If Red Hat did that with some of their proprietary software, we'd have a bunch of people here telling us how this is the best thing since sliced bread.
Thanks for the debate. Right or wrong, it was fun, and I think it's good for everyone.
Happy holidays to you.
We could go back and forth like this all day long...point for point. But I'll break it down like this:
1. Windows was in the Data Center first (except for mainframe and Unix...but hang with me for a minute)
2. Linux is the newcomer to the corporate world.
3. Companies are not going to dump their Windows environment for Linux, just because Microsoft has, admittedly, made no effort to integrate with Linux. We would be foolish to believe Gates / Ballmer would say "you know, it would be great if we could make our OS work with this new, free OS that is our direct competition." If they did, they would have their shareholders up in arms. My last company made great strides in integrating Linux into their corporate environment, but when you have a gazillion Exchange servers, you're not going to dump that. Just isn't going to happen. Same with SQL servers...not going to win that one either.
4. Now, Ballmer decides he can't beat Linux or Open Source decides that perhaps it is time to work together, because the customers are telling them they need to do so. Great. But don't expect him to change over night. Sure...he can say "all Linux users are fair game..." but what are the odds of that happening? Surely he's seen the fiasco that is the SCO lawsuit. He's not that stupid.
Look...if it were up to me, everyone would run Linux on the desktop and the server. I've done it for years, and with the exception of my work laptop, I'm either running Linux (Debian & SUSE) or Mac OSX. But it isn't up to me. IBM said they were going to switch everyone to a Linux desktop. They didn't. Novell said everyone was going to use a Linux desktop. A lot do, but not everyone. The plain and simple fact is that Microsoft is the world's largest software manufacturer. Ballmer is charged with protecting its interests. The Open Source lab and the deal with Novell are a good step. But as I said, we can't expect him and the ship that is Microsoft to change course over night. It takes time. Companies and individuals will also change over time, and more Linux will show up on the desktop and server. When I work with friends setting up businesses I recommend and help them implement Open Source software. But that is from the ground up. Trying to get bigger companies to make that change isn't easy, and they will stay with what they have because of what it would take to switch.
Come up with a tool that will seamlessly migrate Windows desktops and server to Linux with little to no down-time, and you'll be a Billionaire...guaranteed, and this discussion won't happen, because everyone will run Linux, because they can, and it won't hurt in the process of changing over.
It's not my place to ask. These are large, Fortune 500 or larger companies. They want something that works...period. If it doesn't work, they will look for something else that does.
I just spit coffee all over my screen. That is wrong on so many levels...but not far from the truth. RMS would be pleased!
If they do, I'll publicly admit I was very wrong in my assessment of the situation. I don't have any mod points, but if I did, I'd give you an "insightful" rating right now. Good post...very thought provoking.
I might be dead-wrong here. I might be so wrong that I'll lament ever supporting this. But I look at this as Microsoft finally admitting that Linux and Open Source are here to stay, and since they can't and won't beat it, why not see how to best work with it. The formation of the Port25 website and the Open Source lab is a good step in the right direction.
Their opinion absolutely matters. And while I applaud Allison for standing up for his convictions, I think they are poorly placed with this particular move.
Look...he can do what he wants, as can any other coder. They is his, and your right. However, it is my prediction that in two years, this agreement will be seen as the best thing to happen to Linux in the Enterprise. If I'm wrong, I'll gladly come back here to Slashdot and publicly state that I was foolish with my assessment.
"Oh, and just how is Microsoft going to be fostering interoperability?"
Go visit http://port25.technet.com/
Take some time and actually read what they are doing over there. Note that Microsoft and Firefox folks have been working together...
It isn't all bad folks.
Let's see here...
* Novell gets a BIG chunk of money for this deal
* Microsoft says it will not file any lawsuits against developers over any patent issues
* Companies can use SUSE Linux and Windows and know that total interoperability is the goal of both Microsoft and Novell
* HP, Goldman Sachs, IBM and others have called this a very positive thing for IT, Linux and Open Source
* The only people who are complaining are those who are true *idealists* when it comes to Linux and Open Source
I don't know why this guy is leaving. This is a good thing all the way around for the Linux community. I have large customers (people who spend money on software AND use Open Source) who run Windows and Linux side by side. Their NUMBER ONE complaint has been lack of interoperability. They say that they will definitely continue to run Linux in their environment and will probably switch to SUSE Linux because of this agreement.
This agreement gives them the support they need to run their businesses...period. It does nothing more than that. I'm sorry to see him leave Novell, but this project will go on without him, and Linux, Open Source, and the IT community will be better off for this agreement. Hopefully he'll find a god place that can use his talents.
I'm seeing this as a HUGE opportunity to start the text document revolution. You can get really creative with characters and create some really romantic notes with text. Chicks would surely go nuts for a guy who could create character-based graphics with text!
No problem. Thanks for calling for clarification. Actually, I prefer a computer flying in foggy, cloudy weather. Somethings, a computer is better for hands-down. I don't know a pilot that doesn't like to use the auto-pilot and computer-aided landing system in zero-visibility conditions.
Not a troll at all. I don't know how much you fly or if you're a pilot, but let me try to clarify. And I think you raise a fair question.
A big part of flying is being able to feel and hear what is going on with the aircraft. Engine noises, turbulence, etc. are all things that a human needs to hear, and only years of experience can tell something doesn't sound or feel right. It is impossible to replicate exactly what is taking place in the air on the ground. While an airplane can fly right through most turbulent situations, I don't want to ride through it just because the plane can take it.
Let me give you another example. A few years ago I was on a flight where we started to leak hydraulic fluid. Three of us noticed the fluid on the window and pointed it out to the flight attendant. She got the Captain to look at it who later said that the leak had not yet registered on their instruments. Because a human was able to see, diagnose and respond to the problem, we were able to be diverted to an airfield where we got on a different plane.
I'm not against a computer flying it, as long as there are qualified warm bodies onboard ready to take over or make adjustments when necessary.
Good question though.
No way in hell I'll get on one of these unless there is a pilot there to take control if something goes wrong. As a business traveler with over a million miles in the sky, I like knowing that there are humans in the front hearing and feeling everything that is going on.
Thanks for clarifying that. My wife (Asian) took three months to come here, but it was pre 9/11. Sorry to hear it was tough. For those who come here legally, I think they should not have to put up with the BS that they do. I don't know when you came, but welcome. Glad you're here!
Having been all over the world in each direction, my family and I have adapted well to the European lifestyle, and if you were to come to our home, you'd see we adopted the best of everything -
* Daily exercise (a good portion of Europe values daily exercise)
* Lunch is our main meal (taken from the French)
* Red Wine with Lunch and / or dinner
* Use of the Sauna & hot tub several times per week
* Lack of bathing suit when we swim
What we discovered in our travels, and through our friendship with many Europeans, is that our lives were filled with so much stress that when we did it the European way, the stress level really went WAY down. Europeans are relaxed about simple nudity whereas Americans are so hung up about it. Europeans take time and enjoy their food (as does a large portion of the rest of the world) and Europeans have long discovered the health benefits of the sauna several times per week.
Now...that doesn't answer the original question, so I'll answer it this way. If I was moving to Europe to work, I'd probably go to Austria, Germany or France. If I was going to retire, I'd go to Croatia. Since it is MUCH harder for an American to move to Europe than for a European to move to the US...I'll probably be here until I can get my company to transfer me.
We use NetBackup from Symantec (formerly Veritas). Supports all our distros and even FreeBSD & Mac. Works like a charm.
Been in IT for 15 years and travel globally for my company. Three kids and twelve happy years of marriage later (to the same woman) the key for us was my finding balance between work and life. I know a lot of IT guys who can't put their computers down "computersexuals" as that is their only life. When 5:00 PM hits, I step out of my desk and into the Dad / Husband role. From 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM I work a little more once the kids are asleep (while my wife does her thing) and then we do our thing. It's all about balance.
I mean heck, it would probably be the first planet to be demoted. How frigging humiliating. Kind of like being the first schmuck voted off Survivor and having to appear on the finale.
Jobs has always been passionate about Apple and the good things that come from it. Seeing as how Apple has been in the sights fo the SEC (as have many companies for the same thing lately) I can see how he'd take personally the issue of the company he started being targeted for something like this. It was / is his baby, and I can't image not letting something like this not having some adverse effect on your health.
Microsoft never really had a chance...did they? VMware simply rocks and supports a lot of platforms. Mhy Microsoft felt Virtual Server was even necessary was beyond me. Even when they give away free sessions, VMware STILL beats them hands-down.
I ask again, what were they thinking exactly?
Ever heard of Richard Reid?
I'd rather be left out in the cold and attempt to have some security than to have another plane fly into a building.
Hey...the system isn't prefect, but it's better than doing nothing. Some people, including Mexico itself are bitching because we want to secure our borders and build a fence. Funny though that Mexico has a fence at its Southern border, and nobody complains to them.
"Well, you seem to forget that you are not the first to have terrorist attacks. In fact you have had only one.
In Europe we had a lot of it, only counting the last 30 years..."
Actually, we have had more than one...just one using aircraft. I wonder why that is? Maybe because we here in the US we take security fairly seriously. How exactly are we treating you like a criminal by ensuring our security? You're not going to convince anyone I know of that one. Europe is so concerned about giving everyone the freedom to do whatever the hell they want that when you look at the problems they have experienced with terrorism, I'm not surprised in the least. They don't deal with terrorism and problem individuals swiftly enough...they tollerate extremism and subversion in favor of "diplomatic solutions" which never work with these people. I hope the UK is getting blasted in Europe for kicking our extremists...at least they are taking a stance where the rest of Europe will not.
This is crap. As someone who flies international several times a year, I have no problem with the 34 pieces of information being provided to the country where the flight I am on is landing. People who DO have a problem with this forget that four aircraft were hijacked on Sept. 11th and that thousands in the US (all nationalities) died that day. I'd be willing to bet that if that happened in Frace, Germany or anyone else, they'd demand the same thing.
If they don't like it, they don't have to fly here. I've got no problem with that.
Now...give me that troll rating (I'm expecting it)