CNET News.com: Why Microsoft is wary of open source

In a nutshell, says this article, the problem isn't with intellectual property rights as much as it is plain old filthy lucre: Linux threatens .NET thanks to its gains on the server side, and Free Software in general threatens to upset Microsoft's upcoming licensing schemes.

"This could make open-source Linux's GPL more attractive to some customers feeling trapped by the price hike, Gillen said. "Offering this form of 'upgrade protection' may motivate some users to seriously consider alternatives to Microsoft technology."

Ray Bailey, information services manager at the Bergquist Company, said a recent meeting with Microsoft changed the technology direction of his company, which manufactures electronic components and other goods.

"Our IS team agreed that, due to Microsoft's changing of the licensing rules and the manner in which they have given our us less-than-adequate time to process those changes, we are seriously looking at other platforms," he said. "Linux is a strong contender for our next server because of the low-cost nature of the licensing.""

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