On Thu, 30 Apr 1998, Brian wrote:
> What if M$ decided to fight the battle on our turf? Couldn't they go out
> and package their own version of Linux (MS-Linux98)? I'm sure a few
That would probably be the greatest thing in the history of the world, but
of course, it will never happen.
First, MS would have to abandon the existing Win32 platform, which they
will never do. I can't imagine that MS would ever sell both Windows and
Linux, but I suppose they COULD. Whether they do this or not MS would
also have to port all their software, which they will also never do.
Finally, even if they did, MS then has a new product based on Linux. This
does not give MS ownership of Linux, nor does it hurt Red Hat or Caldera
any. MS cannot confuse the Linux 'standard' because any changes they make
to their software would have to be distributed in source per GPL. It
would simply mean more Linux users, except those of us running "real"
Linux get a better chance of running MS software. A (free of course)
"microsoft compatibility module" a la iBCS would probably be forthcoming
almost instantly. :)
I don't see why this would hurt anybody, except that it would create a lot
of work for MS. I don't see it happening.
> M$ would be looking at making tons-o-money, taking over the Linux market
I guess the fundamental idea is this.
1) MS already controls the PC world.
2) A new MS Linux distribution is just that - a new Linux distribution.
3) MS's use of Linux for a new product does not affect any existing Linux
products or affect the future developments of Linux, because they cannot
claim copyright over any Linux software except what they write.
4) MS writing new software for Linux would be a good thing, not a bad
thing.
5) MS could in theory base a new OS off of Linux, but would have to give
the source code away. They won't do that.
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