05.27.07
Theory: Dell Sets Precedence for OEMs Tied to Microsoft’s Linux Limitations
A cynical writeup from a Microsoft MVP has just caught my eye. To quote a fragment from this writeup:
Dell supposedly gets pounded by a hoard of folks demanding they come up with a Linux box. Dell goes back and forth and finally gives in, announcing they will use Ubuntu. Than (sic) Dell does a strange thing and joins in the Microsoft-Novell alliance.
As pointed out the other day, Microsoft may be tying Dell’s arms. It essentially tries to establish precedence for OEMs, just as they did with Novell (for Linux distributors). Mind you, what we hypothesised about precedence a few months ago soon became a reality, as evidenced by Microsoft’s own words.
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy.