The world of technology is like a war these days, with every company competing to step above the rest and keep afloat in the current economic crisis. Microsoft is no exception, and CEO Steve Ballmer has named a different foe than the usual Apple: Linux.OS News reports that Ballmer delivered the statement whilst holding a speech for investors. During the show, he provided the following slide:
"Linux, you could see on the slide, and Apple has certainly increased its share somewhat," Ballmer had said, and he also went on to inform investors about Microsoft's biggest competitor: Windows. Yes, due to piracy, Windows is Microsoft's biggest challenge, and Ballmer said, "That's a competitor that's tough to beat, they've got a good price and a heck of a product, but we're working on it." Sure enough, unlicensed copies of Windows take second place on the OS market share, more than both OS X and Linux combined, so it's easy to see why it's a threat to Microsoft.
Additionally, the Microsoft CEO went on to say, "I think depending on how you look at it, Apple has probably increased its market share over the last year or so by a point or more. And a point of market share on a number that's about 300 million is interesting. It's an interesting amount of market share, while not necessarily being as dramatic as people would think, but we're very focused in on both Apple as a competitor, and Linux as a competitor."
In today's market, consumers will, more often than not, go for the cheapest possible products. Linux can provide that, and unfortunately, so can piracy. It will be interesting to see how things play out in the future. Also, it was interesting to see "Windows 7 for Netbooks" under revenue realization, showing that Microsoft is putting high hopes on that, as well as emerging markets.
[Thanks, xploit1030!]
Indeed it is.
They didn't realize people didn't care about their ideals or how much they despised Microsoft. They'd rather pirate windows and move on than deal with a bunch of wide eyed geeks with a missionary complex about technology.
"freetards"
These things clearly identify you as the troll you are. As clearly as those that type "M$".
At home, I have the iMac, XP on the laptop and Ubuntu on a system in the Garage. So, I guess I am in the "other guy" rank, not pirate, but also not a fanboy of any.
At home, I have the iMac, XP on the laptop and Ubuntu on a system in the Garage. So, I guess I am in the "other guy" rank, not pirate, but also not a fanboy of any.
I have a MacBook running Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, so I'm sort of like you :p It's handy to have all 3.
Of course they are a threat, you have the dumb penguin that sites there and smiles all the time..
Linux 20-30% share of the netbook desktop itself is so far the lagest successful assault.
Through the ages it was IBM, Lotus, Sun, AOL and now FOSS that's been a threat to their core business. Not some fruity OS that gets more press that its sub double digit market share warrants.
Last edited by 9UnknownMen on 25 Feb 2009 - 20:26
Probably the other way around. Do you realize how easy it is to pirate XP?
EDIT: Not that I support piracy... I'm a fully licensed Vista user.
-Macs run Windows! and
-Macs run Microsoft Office!
As I've said before, Microsoft doesn't care if you put Windows on your PC or your Mac as long as you choose Windows. They don't care if you put Office on your Mac or your PC as long as you put on Office.
Apple is a partner as much as it is a competitor. It's a real shame to know that in the background the Apple folks have worked hard with Microsoft to make OS X (and OS X Server) work so well with Windows. to the public, all they showcase are the insulting and condescending Mac vs. PC ads. If Apple grew up and portrayed itself more like a partner and less like a spoiled child with a superiority complex, their market share would increase even more. Apple and Microsoft both win.
I don't know as long as they continue to charge two arms and a leg for the OS in this economy they are going to have a hard time of it. Nobody Wants to pay as much for an operating system as you can for a new Computer....
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