Linked by Adam S on Tue 6th Aug 2002 03:52 UTC
Just a few weeks after the beta release of the next version of their Linux based OS, Red Hat has released 7.3.93 of their software, once again, code-named Limbo. Those of you who read my first Limbo review know that I gave it a favorable review. After downloading and installing the second beta, I had to take a few days before writing this article.
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Microsoft is right now in trouble with the market since it is obvious that it has monopoly... I can understand their wish to protect their position in the market by releasing products like office only for win machines (and yes os X, but that is just because they know they can hold Apple in hand), but that will not last too long. I have heard a lot of propositions for how to force this company to "behave" but none were good for consumers. Truth is for USA, Microsoft is a big company that makes a lot of money and is , by general opinion, good for economy. Killing it or disturbing it even in this period would be fatal for a part of economy that is yet not developed - internet. Remember that USA extended the no taxes policy (if I have the right data) on internet shopping to help its growth. It would be crazy then to touch this company until the Internet market develops.
Yes, Linux is a good option but it is not accepted by average consumer and forcing the transition to it would be hard. So they decided to deal with what they have. USA will tolerate Microsoft's monopoly until the Internet market develops well and starts functioning as well as a email system.
Is all hope lost? No. Microsoft mainly holds its position on peoples desktops with MS Office, not with Windows. Windows is not the best operating sistem in the world, and if there was any justice it would not be as well spread as it is, because it does not deserve it. We are forced to buy Windows because we want our favorite programs to run. That's it.
The only feasable way to break the monopoly is to eather release the code to an independent organization to produce a cross platform windows API (something like WINE). Naturally, this organization would not be able to release this code anywhere and would fund itself by selling the product. Yes, it is possible to force Microsoft to do the similar, but I am afraid that they would make sure that not all functions as well as on windows.
This approach would give the users possibility to chose their operating system on the basis of quality. It would be good for Microsoft too, as it would force them to make a better product; it would give them new markets for their Office and other products, and this sensitive market would not be shaken too much.