ComputerWorld: Linux Road Map Needed

"...But I am impressed by the enthusiastic support by the likes of HP, IBM and Sun to keep things moving. I was especially intrigued to find that HP is intensely interested in helping LSB give Linux the credibility it needs to become the de facto standard server operating system for 64-bit Intel platforms. I learned this before the HP/Compaq merger, so it will be interesting to see if this goal was conceived in anticipation of the merger, or if the merger changes it.

Unfortunately, too few people in the room understood that they need to start thinking more like Microsoft. LSB needs to generate confidence by announcing a long-term road map with specifics about things like directory services and desktop standards that ISVs can start planning to support.

Granted, Microsoft can get IT departments to revise their budgets without producing anything more substantial than a press release. LSB doesn't have that kind of clout. But these Linux supporters gave me the impression they were afraid to create a detailed road map, let alone announce one. Suck it up, guys. You can always adjust the specifics as needed. But don't expect anyone to support your plans if you don't make any."

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