[ Thanks to Mike
Cannon-Brookes for this link. ]
“The only mildly surprise event was an admission from Steve
Balmer (the world’s richest bald guy) that he would need to
communicate with ‘customers and partners’. I imagine he would.”
“Things haven’t really changed much on the financial front
either. Microsoft’s share price took a beating after the news broke
– at one point it was down 14% and trading was suspended. However,
the company’s market valuation is still three times what it was
when the action began, profits are higher than ever and the company
sells about US$25 billion worth of software each year.”
“More likely, the legal ruling will see some large companies put
their plans to move to Windows2000 on hold until there’s a clearer
roadmap. If the hiatus is long enough, Linux will get better still
and woo some of the waivers away. A halt to Microsoft’s
momentum might create opportunities for Linux – but not many.
Another major security bug in Windows 2000 would do more for this
cause.”
“The ruling will make it harder for Microsoft to go on the
offensive against Linux. Harder but not impossible. For the next
year or so, the Microsoft pit-bull is going to be on a lead. The
company will still be aggressive, but it needs to score political
points and rabid snarling won’t help.”