Desktop platforms Toolkit

In association with Network Liberation Movement

Story: Microsoft on warding off the Linux threat

Posted by: Dino Morelli (Wednesday 4 October 2006, 3:53 PM)

>>When will you be enabling Microsoft Office to run on open source?
>We won't. We have no plans.

>>Why?
>We are commmitted to the Windows platform. There are many alternatives to Microsoft Office on the Linux platform. It's all about flexibility and choice in that regard. We have a very successful product on the Mac side of things.

>>What is the sense in producing Office for the Mac and not Office for open source?
>The Mac product is produced by Apple. If changes are needed then we'll work with Apple. They are just one organisation. We have an agreement which makes good business sense.

>>Are you unwilling to produce a Linux version of Office because you would need to work with several Linux distributors?
>I don't know in that regard. If people want to run Office then buy Windows. Or a Mac.

Aw, poor Microsoft. So grumpy about open source operating systems and software.

Hey, here's a clue: I'm betting that extremely few GNU/Linux users are interested in seeing Office or any of Microsoft's lameware for their platform. Like we really need more data suckered into Microsoft's special data formats. No thanks.

Microsoft does us all a great service with their current strategy. I am appreciative.