“Microsoft took a swipe at the growing Linux movement today as
it joined forces with Intel to tackle the emerging market for
‘server appliances,’ a new category of special-purpose
computers.”
“Analysts say Microsoft’s move is a counter-attack against
the rival Linux operating system, which is making inroads into the
growing server appliance market. Market analysis firm
Dataquest has predicted Linux will be used in a quarter of server
appliances by 2003.”
” ‘This is to counter Linux’s advance in the server appliance
space,’ said Giga Information Group analyst Stacey Quandt. ‘There’s
a large number of Linux software companies who are targeting the
appliance market–and Microsoft wants to compete.’ “