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November 21, 2005
I never thought you'd be penguin because Open Source is so passé
In Linux News the article Debates on Open Source So 'Last Year' Says Novell Exec gives a good impression of what OS-system debate really should be moving towards.
The commercialization of the open source programmes finally decided the battle with the purists, and in the long run I think it will be beneficial. Unfortunately, I think the battle between OS and Microsoft will go on. Microsoft often built strategic alliances with governments and business, particularly in Western Europe. Sweden has been called "Microsoft country", since so much of our institutions have been adapted from the very start to an MS environment.
I'd say, let the best one win on the local level. We could probably make gains in efficiency and costs in some places if institutions considered open source.
Just as long as we don't think that open source is "free". Would it provide the right features and functionality, and the best total cost of ownership?
With more European legislations considering legislating about open source these will be important questions to ask for the taxpayers. Is this being implemented as the best system or just as a political statement?
It could probably go on, as Microsoft is a company that seriously should reexamine its public image. They are the "hated monopolist" that calls its customers dinosaurs if they do not upgrade (not a smart way for them to improve their image), but still desperately seek to be loved by all.
Microsoft has been stuck in a vicious circle of competition lawsuits where they try to buy there way out. The $761 milion settlement with RealNetworks, will be followed by more. Now others see that Microsoft pays up. The extremely complicated legal settlements made with the EU commission and competitors are also far too vague for the general public and policy makers to understand. Thus they do not communicate a positive image.
Unfortunately, I think there is still far too much debate to do about open source than it could have been.
Posted by Waldemar at November 21, 2005 10:02 PM