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Story: Open source 'pressuring Microsoft pricing'

Posted by: Rodd Clarkson (Friday 20 February 2004, 4:37 AM)

You better believe that Microsoft is under pressure with their pricing.

Any attempt by Microsoft to suggest that they aren't offering their discounts, but are instead trying to 'prove the value of its software' is just any attempt to leave readers so confused that they don't realize that if Microsoft's products were worth what Microsoft extorts for them, then there wouldn't be any pressure to lower the price and that we would all be happy with the value we're already getting.

The proof they say is in the pudding. Microsoft are reducing their prices and it's only after companies have looked at Linux.

However you could make an argument that if you can get a discount just by considering Linux, you might be even better off using it.

Microsoft wouldn't be offering any discounts if they didn't think Linux can do the job. If Microsoft thinks Linux can do the job, then the only way Microsoft would be value for money would be if you could get Windows, Office, VIrus protection, etc. and all the server software you need for the same price as a single Linux distro (about $80.00). You've still got to pay for support anyway, so get support for Linux and have some choice over who supplies that support instead of locking yourselft further into a vendor, instead of leaving your options open.