OSDL Declines Linux vs. Windows Study

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."