The 2,600 word missive was titled "customer focus: comparing Windows with Linux and UNIX". In it, Ballmer repeated the key themes of Microsoft's Get The Facts campaign.
He claimed that Windows was a better choice than Linux in terms of security, total cost of ownership (TCO) and protection against legal action over patent violations -- charges that Linux companies were quick to challenge on Wednesday.
"As organisations increasingly rely on IT to perform mission-critical functions, and with complexity a growing challenge, choosing the right computing platform for the long term can make the difference between profit and loss, and between future success and failure," wrote Ballmer.
"And it's pretty clear that the facts show that Windows provides a lower total cost of ownership [than Linux]; the number of security vulnerabilities is lower on Windows; and Windows responsiveness on security is better than Linux; and Microsoft provides uncapped IP indemnification of their products, while no such comprehensive offering is available for Linux or open source," Ballmer added.
Gael Duval, co-founder of Mandrakesoft, believes that Ballmer's email is indicative of a change of strategy from Microsoft.
Talkback
Microsoft is simply doing what it does best: marketing by means of FUD, third-party trashing and lock-in.
Here's an open letter that sums it up somewhat:
http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=15306233
Quote: "And it seems to me that it would be very easy for customers to look at those two stats and conclude that Microsoft is not only causing the problem but is also unwilling to try to fix it, and while that all might be well and good for Microsoft, it sure stinks for me the customer.
Unless, that is, I'm willing to buy 100% Microsoft products. But reality shows us that very, very few companies are willing to do that."
I don't think you'll find that on Microsoft's 'Get the Facts' website. But it's reality nonetheless. As are hundreds more examples (this month alone) I was able to google up in my free time. But it seems that Microsoft has choosen not to include those in their own findings. After all, Mister Ballmer is more a salesman then a fact finder.
>"As organizations increasingly rely on IT to perform mission-critical functions, and with complexity a growing challenge, choosing the right computing platform for the long term can make the difference between profit and loss, and between future success and failure," wrote Ballmer.<
Mr Ballmer, I Couldn't agree more with that statement ! Especially when working with a collection of windows PC's running a mission-critical function for days on end. We unfortunatly took the windows route and after a week of processing and about 40% through the process a damn virus was automatically executed by one of your darn applications (explorer) which prompty took down the entire network of machines and lost all the work !.
The new system which is to go live in around 3 months is 100% Linux. Somehow I don't expect it to fall flat on it's face!!
So Mr Balmer people should look into choosing the correct computing platform when running mission critical processes !
Anonymous (Because I know how Mr Balmer likes to go into companies and convince management with cheaper licences etc...)
I think this rather lengthy story tells enough:
http://www.euronet.nl/users/frankvw/rants/microsoft/IhateMS.html
My colleague just spent 4 hours trying to get his Windows box working on the network after installing the latest patches. He had no joy and had to uninstall them. He also had to reinstall Windows 2 weeks after purchasing the new computer.
I develop on a Linux box and have never had a problem.
Try telling us Windows has a lower TCO!
When MS refers to 'facts' the clearly mean 'MSfacts' (TM). It's not MS's fault if people confuse 'MSfacts' (TM) with 'facts'...
Seriously though, I think this sort of thing shows that MS is really taking the Linux 'threat' seriously, which helps to give it extra credibility. E.g. Ask your PHB** this telling question - "Why is MS spending all this time and effort on attacking Linux if it's not a serious option?"
**PHB = Pointy Headed Boss a la Dilbert
Ballmer is just blowing smoke. Check out hosting by 1and1.com. The basic linux hosting package is $4.99/mo; MS Windows hosting with the same features is $6.99/mo. I wrote to 1and1 asking them why Windows is more expensive. They told me Linux is overall cheaper in terms of licensing and maintainence costs.
Indemnification?
From the XP EULA:
NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. To
the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall
Manufacturer or its suppliers be liable for any damages
whatsoever (including without limitation, special, incidental,
consequential, or indirect damages for personal injury, loss of
business profits, business interruption, loss of business
information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use
of or inability to use this product, even if Manufacturer has
been advised of the possibility of such damages. In any case,
Manufacturer's and its suppliers' entire liability under any
provision of this agreement shall be limited to the amount
actually paid by you for the SOFTWARE and/or Microsoft hardware.
Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages,
the above limitation may not apply to you.
It's time to rephrase that old saying to be ....
"Lies, damn lies and Microsoft sponsored studies."