02.15.08
Microsoft Hits Russia Harder with Anti-Linux
“I’m thinking of hitting the OEMs harder than in the past with anti-Linux… they should do a delicate dance”
–Joachim Kempin, Microsoft OEM Chief
Back in Novomber we mentioned Intel’s and Microsoft’s attempt to fight GNU/Linux adoption in Russian schools. Under the disguise of ‘good deeds’ Microsoft appears to be responding to this new threat. [via Bob Sutor]
A Russian mobile-phone operator is the latest service provider to team with Microsoft to offer Windows-based PCs on a subscription basis through the company’s Unlimited Potential program.
See the links at the bottom for more information about “Unlimited Potential”, which by Microsoft’s own admission is a case against GNU/Linux.
Matt Asay adds:
As suggested above, however, the program also offers Microsoft a way to club Linux’s growth in these markets…
Make no mistake. This is merely a ploy for Microsoft to maintain its market share. We covered this before [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Selling PCs below cost or giving them away is a case of dumping as means of suppressing one’s competition. █
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.