[ The opinions expressed by authors on Linux Today are their
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]
By Paul
Ferris, Staff Writer
These are some thoughts that were running through my mind
recently as I was reading Bill Gates comments and Microsoft’s’ new
motto. To quote directly from the
article:
Microsoft’s next move is to help revolutionize the workplace by
creating software that works anyplace, and on any device.
I like that. It’s an opportunity to explain some strengths that
Linux today has over Microsoft’s current offerings, and even future
ones.
First: The Revolution. Linux and Open
Source/Free Software make up the true revolution. It’s a revolution
in software design, both in content, and in method. Those that wish
to say we lack innovation are only kidding themselves: the Linux
movement is extremely innovative and allows creativity on the
desktop by enabling people that know how today, and those that want
to learn tomorrow.
Second: Software that works anyplace. It’s nice
how I can login to my Linux box at home, and run a word processor
loaded there on my workstation at work. It’s done with a tried and
true protocol: X Protocol. Too bad Microsoft didn’t think of
something like that, even though they were initially involved with
the X consortium way, way back (hard to imagine how they could have
missed this cool functionality).
Today, if you want anything similar to this technology from
Microsoft, you must purchase, at extra cost, Terminal server. The
product has limitations and cost that Linux does not have.
As for remote managability, this is a huge issue that is a
strength for Linux. It’s simply unbeatable in this area.
Third: Any device?!? Who are we trying to kid
here Bill? You say this as the sole remaining hardware platform for
Windows 2000, besides Intel, is dropped. Now, there’s real choice:
Do you want Intel/Microsoft, or real choice? Linux and whatever
hardware – there is choice in that arena.
Are you going to jokingly suggest that the Palm PC running
Windows CE is going to “revolutionize” anything? What about
scalability now that all other platforms but Intel have been
dropped from the equation? There are even rumors that Win64
won’t
even run on Merced.
But the quote I adore, however is this one: “We still have a lot
of work to do, The end is not in sight.”
I think an end is in sight here, but I won’t expand on that
analogy, no sir.
But I will agree totally with the first part of that sentence.
Microsoft, you still have a lot of work to do. Without a doubt.
Where do we want to go today? Let me tell you, we’re already
there.