Computerworld Australia: Analysis: Linux Marches On

“Linux’s bark is turning into a bite for Microsoft. As a result,
the software giant is stepping up to protect itself and keep
corporate customers from turning to the open-source operating
system to satisfy server and desktop needs.

“The company says Linux, which gained double-digit market share
in the past 12 months, is its No. 2 challenge behind the slumping
economy. That assessment–together with Microsoft’s efforts to
smooth customer discontent over its costly and complex annuity
licensing program and the impending expiration of nearly one-third
of its customer licensing contracts–means the company could suffer
customer defections and lost revenue.

“One of the vendor’s next high-profile battles, according to
sources, is DaimlerChrysler AG. The automaker is said to be
squirming under Microsoft’s annuity licensing plan and
contemplating replacing some of its Windows server infrastructure
with Linux. DaimlerChrysler officials would neither confirm nor
deny the possibility of such a move…”

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