We aren’t sure of the semantics or underlying assumptions
involved in discussing “open source” and “commercial” as two
separate types of products, but this broadside from the Embedded
Linux Consortium takes the longer view on Microsoft’s stance on
open source software, saying “they are turning their paranoia into
a scorched earth policy.”
“Dr. Inder Singh, ELC Chairman and CEO of LynuxWorks,
said, “Microsoft’s broadside against open source shows they feel
threatened by the rapid momentum of Linux in markets that Microsoft
desperately needs to dominate as PC sales slow down. These include
the server market and emerging, volume-rich embedded markets like
set-top boxes, Internet appliances, Personal Digital Assistants,
home gateways, factory automation and the automobile.”“With the Justice Department’s anti-trust lawsuit looking less
threatening, Microsoft apparently feels free to unleash its
favorite fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) weapon against Linux and
open source,” Singh added. “By ratcheting up the volume, they are
turning their paranoia into a scorched earth policy.”“The ELC and its members believe that a healthy mixture of open
source and commercial software products are good for customers, and
a market dominated by a single company is bad for customers. A mix
of open source and commercial products provides more choice and
helps fuel innovation and competition. This has been demonstrated
in the explosive growth of the Internet. The open source GNU tools
have also played a key role in the growing embedded market, along
with many commercial products,” Dr. Singh concluded.”