RSSOSDL Declines Linux vs. Windows Study
By Ed Oswald | Published August 31, 2005, 2:15 PM
Microsoft approached the Open Source Development Labs at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo about carrying out a study to compare its operating system with Linux, however the group balked at the idea saying it would likely be used as fodder for anti-Linux marketing.
OSDL CEO Stuart Cohen in a statement to BetaNews confirmed that talks took place with Martin Taylor, General Manager of Platform Strategy at Microsoft. While the specifics of the conversation remain confidential, Cohen did speak to the talk of a joint study.
"As far as working with Microsoft on a study, I explained that Microsoft could probably find one negative line on Linux in a 100-page research report that it would spend $10 million marketing while ignoring the other 99 pages," Cohen said. "Why would OSDL want to participate in that?"
Much to the surprise of many, Microsoft made an appearance at this year's LinuxWorld expo. Bill Hilf, the director of platform technology strategy, talked about Redmond's Linux/Open Source lab. Specifically, Hilf discused the advantages and disadvantages of open source software.
While not acknowledging that the OSDL has declined the study, Microsoft officials told BetaNews that it asked for the study based on customer requests for a comparison between the two operating systems.
"Microsoft has proposed a jointly funded, jointly reviewed research project with Open Source Development Labs," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "Microsoft has offered to pay half the costs for a fact-based, independent analysis of Linux and Windows."
Let us face it - if a study "jointly funded" by Microsoft and OSDL were to throw up startling facts that Linux is better than Microsoft, How would Redmond react? And this reaction - how would it be received in the Industry?
If the study were to prove MS to be superior to Linux - how would that be received in the Industry? Is it going to stop people from adopting Linux??? Or it is going to stop people considering Linux seriously - a lot more companies are evaluating Linux based on the reports from the Industry, rather than just listening to Press releases from Microsoft.
Frankly rather than just shy away - OSDL could have taken up the challenge. I mean, even if the study were to prove that MS offerings are superior to Linux (and in the Desktop - ardent Linux admirer though I am - I have to admit, the sheer ease of installing software, patches does put MS just a tad forward) - OSDL should have had confidence in the Open Source programmers who have brought the system upto the Industry Strength it is today.
A well publicised list of the shortcomings versus Microsoft would have perhaps been a list of goals and objectives - even a forum for "wanna-be" Linux users to voice their wish-list.
And it could have turned the tables on MS - by saying that it would work towards the implementation of the top 10-15 features requested for, or the 10-15 features that MS offers which is currently unavailable in Linux. It could have even set a time-table for complete implementation of the things in the study that are preventing the adoption of Linux.
Stepping back was premature - MS has spent millions with it "Get the facts" campaign, while that might have slowed down the adoption, it has certainly not stopped the adoption of Linux. This was an opportunity missed by OSDL to further the cause of Linux.
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|I am certified MCSE (Microsoft) and RHCT (Red-hat) and I am tired of the "War" between Linux and Windows. They both have different strengths and weaknesses. I cannot see Windows or Linux ever going away. Your best bet learn every major OS on x86 (AMD and Intel x86-32 & 64 not Itanium) That means Windows, Linux and OSX. Luckily Linux and OSX are allot alike so learn all 3! All 3 OS's are awesome in their own regard but are truly different OS's that exist for different reasons. Who needs a silly study to figure that out?
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|Very True
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|Well said!
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|Your best bet learn every major OS on x86
Add Sparc, PARISC (migrating to Itanium), and Itanium.
Money will never be a problem if you can find your way around Solaris, HPUX, Linux, and Windows.
Ever.
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|The study is a good idea. OSDL shouldn't chicken out. This way, they can prove the points they've been touting for years.
As long as it stays an independent study (no interference on EITHER side) and the study is performed point-by-point, it should be a good thing for everyone involved.
The only question I have is: what versions of each will they compare?
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|Hey Yuckmouth, pass the Kool Aid, thanks.
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|I see no harm in the study, but Microsoft should flip the bill for the entire project.
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|No, they shouldnt, people ALWAYS whine when microsoft funds a study complaining that it is bias, regardless of WHO is performing the study
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|Linux has been talking sh*t for years but now that Microsoft says hey put your money were your mouth is the room gets quite. HAHA
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|"Linux could probably find two negative lines on Microsoft in a 100-page research report that it would spam 10 million forums while ignoring the other 98 pages."
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|Who's "Linux"?
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|Damn.. beat me to the exact line I was going to quote.
But they are right on that statement.
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|Linux is an Open Source operating system, an alternative to windows and mac, that can be obtained for free. You are also allowed to see the code that makes up Linux, along with change it and re-distribute it, provided you follow the licensing rules, which are pretty un-restrictive.
It's actually not bad... well worth the $ i'd say.
Try http://www.knoppix.com if you have a good system and want to try linux without installing. Red Hat's Fedora is pretty popular these days too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fedo...881QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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|I think that was a rhetorical question.
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|quite possibly, but i figured best not to assume, since i didn't know for sure. plus it was a "who is linux" not "what is linux..."
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|I think he answered the rhetorical question in the best possible way.
Unless this guy is an Ostrich with his head in the sand, there is little chance that he is using a computer/internet and has not heard of Linux. So beating his head with the answer - probably was the best way to get through to him.
If he was just implying how insignificant Linux was with his question - the answer, logical and calmly delivered has anyway shut his mouth! LOL
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|That reversed quote makes no sense, since Linux is a software kernel, and not a company.
That's what the "who is linux ?" question wanted to point out, I guess.
Linux not being a company, I don't see the point on spending money on such studies...
Microsoft has an interest in spending money for advertising its products, to increase its revenue which is definitly not a goal of the OSDL.
The only people who would have an interest in doing that are people at Redhat, Mandriva, Linspire... but then they would not talk about 'Linux' but specifically about their OWN product.
Btw, let's imagine a sample conversation between microsoft and OSDL :
msft: hey, let's fund a study to show which is better between windows and linux
osdl: why would i do that ? i don't care which is better. and even if i did, better at what ? it needs years and experienced users to see if an OS is ADAPTED to a certain use...
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|'Linux' or the quote is not intended to be read literally, it is intended as 'mentality' not as 'who'. I didn't think it was that hard to understand the point. Some people only see words, expand your mind and read beyond the words sometime.
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