Subj : Re: Open Source Leaving Microsoft Sitting on the Fence?
To   : comp.os.linux.security,comp.os.linux.admin,comp.os.linux.misc,comp.os.linux
From : Gerard Wassink
Date : Tue Jul 27 2004 11:25 am

Op 22 Jul 2004 09:33:35 -0700 schreef DaveAI:

> The open source model, with special regard to Linux, has no doubt
> become a formidable competitor to the once sole giant of the software
> industry, Microsoft. It is expected when the market share of an
> industry leader becomes threatened, retaliation with new product or
> service offerings and marketing campaigns refuting the claims of the
> new found competition are inevitable. However, in the case of
> Microsoft, it seems they have not taken a solid or plausible position
> on the use of open source applications as an alternative to Windows.
> 
> I read on a daily basis the latest ventures of Microsoft from the much
> publicized "war on Linux" to surrendering and publishing portions of
> their source code. In their first argument, executives of the Redmond
> Washington company regard Linux as everything from a "waste of money"
> to a threat to the well-being of the software industry. During these
> arguments, Microsoft executives stick by their original perception,
> attempting to position open source software as a less secure, less
> technologically sound option that does not only offer inferior
> solutions but is inherently bad for the financial and developmental
> growth of the industry. Although proved wrong time and time again by
> accredited analysts, journalists and customers it is a fair position
> for a corporation to take when their competition has them against the
> ropes.
> 
> However, what is puzzling to me is that Microsoft never seems to stick
> with that argument. Whether they are intentionally or unintentionally
> releasing portions of their source code to the public, they themselves
> have implemented a "shared source initiative" in recent years.
> Coincidentally, this program mirrors the benefits brought fourth by
> the open source development process in which segments of their source
> code are released to the public intended to be used as a resource for
> developers. Originally, backing up the view that open source was
> substandard and dangerous, the program operated under a "look don't
> touch" policy, however, in recent months the software giant has
> changed its tune offering participating developers the chance to
> modify and propose ways to improve upon the available code.
> 
> Rest of article at
> http://www.linuxsecurity.com/feature_stories/feature_story-168.html

Fence? What fence? See my signature.
-- 
There's no place like 127.0.0.1
Gerard Wassink           http://linux.family.filternet.nl
Linux counter #360967,   "In a world without fences, who needs gates?"

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