Linux Brand | Microsoft Brand


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Can Linux hang Microsoft?

Linux exists because an alternative always exists to whatever is mainstream. Its strength is that it's not dominated by any one company, that is also its weakness -- little or no responsibility. In parallel with Linux, one should also consider Apple's OS X -- Unix with a much friendlier interface and a Fortune 500 behind it and the value of the Apple brand.

Philip Hodgetts, President & CEO, Intelligent Assistance, Inc - November 30, 2002

From what I have read and heard, whilst Linux OS is widely regarded to be far superior to Microsoft OS, it is unlikely to ever pose a serious challenge in the marketplace for the simple fact that the much of the IT industry actually relies, and thrives on the unreliability of Microsoft product. It keeps them in business. So they're not going to recommend a product that will basically put themselves out of business (even though they may actually use Linux privately.) I also agree with first comment. Mac OS all the way!

Carl - November 30, 2002

For the IT sector someone will probably calculate in the future what is the impact of using free platform, avoiding not only MS but Oracle license fees and expensive hardwares due to the system needs of these applications, and hiring some specialist optimising the free Linux platfrom and more, developing own applications... It could meld flexibility and low cost level.

Imre Budai, Manager, PanTel - December 1, 2002

The power of open source products like Linux and other collaborative projects such as Sourceforge, should not be underestimated. The market is changing from the top down, with large multinationals discovering the power and flexibility of these solutions. The balance for developers has been shifting as it did from Apple to Microsoft in the 80’s, to a cheaper open source melee. Apple has got it right, by appealing to this new informed generation of programmers and project managers.

However, Microsoft have shown that they are skilled at manipulating their brand, they have responded with the .net platform, which is their answer to this. It is not an ideal response, but just enough to stop the tide turning against them.

They (Microsoft) know the key people here are the public and the project manager. While both may complain about the unreliability of the product, they as yet, have no yardstick because of the fear of having to learn a completely new system. Microsoft provides a haven for that fear. So, they are not running scared just yet. Because of the nature of open source, there is no central organisation to co-ordinate the appeal of its products to the masses, which means there is no fight there. To try to compete with the brands like Microsoft Office and .net, there will have to be a co-ordinated revolution, otherwise open source products will just stay as they are – a cheaper unkown.

Paul Harwood, New Media Director, Box Professional Media - December 1, 2002

Linux can’t support itself. Remember Unix was free at first but eventually started charging. As Linux raises its prices, it will lose its anti-establishment image and start competing at the same level as Microsoft.

Skeptic - December 1, 2002

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