Microsoft Acknowledges Linux Threat To Windows Client

[DaBees-Knees]

 http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9136259/Microsoft_acknowledges_Linux_thre

Microsoft for the first time has named Linux distributors Red Hat and Canonical as competitors to its Windows client business in its annual filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The move is an acknowledgement of the first viable competition from Linux to Microsoft's Windows client business, due mainly to the use of Linux on netbooks, which are rising in prominence as alternatives to full-sized notebooks.

"Netbooks opened Microsoft to the possibility that some other OS could get its grip on the desktop, however briefly," said Rob Helm, director of research for Directions on Microsoft. "Now it's alert to that possibility going forward."

Now there's an admission !!!!! 

[ñòóKýçrÕôK]

Actually I think it's more a smart business move on their part. The claim is that MS owns a monopoly on the desktop OS business. IF MS proves they now have viable competition it allows them to persue more aggressive means of marketing like they had in the past before they were proclaimed a monopoly in legal circles.

[MinersLantern]

Competition is a good thing.
Maybe now slow Windows and slow Linux will both improve.
Cheaper, better, faster.