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Also, I don't see any justification for the assumption that people abandoning Windows will move to Linux. There are plenty of alternatives, including the BSDs and the OpenSolaris based ones.
Many Windows mainly shops already use Linux for some purposes. Take where I work they were a Windows only shop when I started. First they are persuaded to use Linux for a new important mission critical Oracle database (RHEL).
Now even though IT has adopted AD, Linux Samba servers (Novell/SUSE) belonging to IT have started appearing on the Network. They are probably many shops like this in medium to large enterprises that are predominantly Windows but are increasingly using Linux for various purposes. I work in RD not IT so I don't fully keep up with what IT is are up too.




Member since:
2006-01-29
The article has a good point, the cost of OS licenses may be a problem for people deploying virtualized systems. But for many Windows users moving to a virtualized Windows solution may still be cheaper than migrating to Linux. And MS can always decide to change its licensing model when they see Linux and others starting to pick up. This way they can charge a higher price for those who want to move to a virtualized solution fast and can afford it, and later charge a smaller amount for those who couldn't afford the greater prize.
Also, I don't see any justification for the assumption that people abandoning Windows will move to Linux. There are plenty of alternatives, including the BSDs and the OpenSolaris based ones.