07.26.08
ASUS: “Currently, We’re Closely Tied up With Microsoft”
Did the Linux-based Eee PC really sell out? Or did ASUS?
Some time ago people wondered why Asus had sort of phased out its GNU/Linux version of the Eee PC, at least in some specific places and new models. Here’s a drop-in hint:
TechTree: States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka promote the Linux operating system in its education and government sectors. Will ASUS roll out Linux alternatives for the new 904HD and 1000H models in India?
Benson Lin [for ASUS]: Currently, we’re closely tied up with Microsoft and the EEE PC with Windows XP would be available to the Indian market. However, the Linux alternative would be a possibility based on specific grounds.
Recall that Microsoft very specifically chose to fight low-cost laptops running GNU/Linux. What exactly is going on in the boardroom of ASUS these days? The Foxconn story comes to mind (last updated hours ago). What might happen to SplashTop now that ASUS is “closely tied up with Microsoft”? Remember Corel and GNU/Linux? Remember OLPC and what Intel and Microsoft did to it? It’s always cheaper to sabotage the competition than it is to compete fairly. But will the world be told the true story? █
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.
Chris Lees said,
July 28, 2008 at 5:06 am
If the world is told “the true story”, it’s certainly not going to be your site that tells it.