[vox] [fwd] Forbes on Linux helping Microsoft

[Bill Kendrick]

For those interested, here's Don Marti's take on that Forbes article
(fwd from SVLUG)

----- Forwarded message from Don Marti -----

Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 12:06:22 -0700
From: Don Marti
Subject: Re: [svlug] Forbes on Linux helping Microsoft

Remember, this isn't content from the print Forbes,
which is pretty fair and balanced about Linux.
It's the web site, which doesn't seem to have the
same standards.  That's a bad brand dilution move on
the company's part.

But there is a good point almost made here.  Linux is
bringing "Wintel" pricing to the Unix market (now the
"Linux/Unix market"), so Linux vendors are finding
it easier to make their numbers with "no-brainer"
Unix to Linux migration deals than doing the hard
work of migrating locked-in Microsoft customers.

The real challenge is for Linux vendors to stay in
shape to beat Microsoft for deals when it's so easy
to get lazy and just sit around eating Unix's lunch.


--------------------->8-----------------------------
clip-n-save guide to making Microsoft TCO look lower
than Linux's

1. Put Linux on an IBM mainframe, Microsoft Windows
on an x86 system.  (yes, it's been done!)

2. Assume all IT staff are fully trained on Microsoft
products and ignorant of Linux, and put "retraining"
costs in Linux's column.  Ignore any Linux-qualified
people in Microsoft shops.

3. Assume all non-IT staff will require retraining
on Linux desktops but not on new Microsoft product
versions.

4. Keep anti-virus software costs out of the Windows
column.

5. Load up the Linux box with the most expensive
proprietary management and RDBMS software; use
Microsoft's bundled competitors on the Windows side.

6. (Web news articles only; real reports can't get
away with this) Compare server license or support fees
without adding in any required Client Access Licenses.

7. Throw in an OSRM contract on the Linux side.

----- End forwarded message -----

-bill!