Microsoft Hit by Open Source and Lawmakers
Microsoft had to report a 30% slump in sales for the last quarter. Their report to the U.S. SEC includes a rundown of their risk and competition factors. Among their concerns are Linux and open source untertakings, but also their own partners HP and Intel.
Part of Microsoft's nervousness is Apple's growing share in the U.S. market, but Linux is also taking a bite. Their Form 10-K submission to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission quotes their concern: "The Linux operating system [...] is available without payment under a General Public License, [and] has gained some acceptance, especially in emerging markets, as competitive pressures lead OEMs to reduce costs and new, lower-price PC form-factors gain adoption." They call out Red Hat and Canonical as competition in a number of categories and mention that even smaller open source enterprises and community projects have endangered their "money for software licenses" model. Add to that other threatening activity: "Partners such as Hewlett-Packard and Intel have been actively working with alternative Linux-based operating systems."
The Redmond giant also sees itself in a defensive stance with mobile devices in that consumers are migrating to them from conventional PCs. The market share of Internet Explorer is being continuously eroded by browsers from Apple, Mozilla and Opera, but especially Google: "OEMs have been working to make the Google Android mobile operating system more compatible with small form-factor PCs or netbooks."
Microsoft's declaration of principles on intellectual property issues vis a vis open source also came into play. One statement didn't leave much to the imagination in light of recent patent issues. Quote: "Certain 'open source' software business models challenge our license-based software model. [...] These firms do not bear the full costs of research and development for the software. Some of these firms may build upon Microsoft ideas that we provide to them free or at low royalties in connection with our interoperability initiatives."
Microsoft also attributes the first ever breach in their sales history to software piracy, the European Commission, U.S. anti-trust laws and lawmakers in general.
One statement should give software patent activists such as the Free Software Foundation pause: "Similarly, the absence of harmonized patent laws makes it more difficult to ensure consistent respect for patent rights." The FSFE has been warning at regular intervals that software patents could start making their way into Europe in the guise of "harmonization."
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.
Microsoft takes a HIT
Free, Stable and Able has always won out over being Told to repeat after me " the party line". "we Love Microsoft.. yeaaahs.. we LOVE microsoft. It's Better than every one else.. YEeeash.. its stable.. Internet Explorer is the Best Browser.. yeeeasshh.. Linux called their Hand and Microsoft has lost this one.
Microsoft could keep its strangle hold on the Computer market it they would listen to what people want.. Let has have a little freedom.. and stop pushing.. we want change to what we really need, and stop Forcing a New OS every 2 years.. which requires BIG money to get new hardware and new software, each time.
Close up your RIGHTS in the system.. so that any Tom Dick and Harry with a little code cant reach in and foul every thing up.
Any one stop to think about that? Linux is not Virus free because its obscure.. its virus free because it's Locked down.. make it nearly impossible to GET virused.
Maybe, Just Maybe.. Microsoft will learn a bit on this.. and Give us some thing We actually Wanted.
FWJ
Microsoft Hit by Open Source and Lawmakers
Hahahahaha.. long live Linux!