Realizing the Potential—Partnering with Microsoft into the Future Evaluating Platforms for Business: Linux Compared to Microsoft Windows

The Bottom Line

Microsoft believes there are inherent problems with the Open Source model of software development for the reasons outlined throughout this document. Innovation is difficult with a loosely affiliated group of volunteer developers, even with assistance from IBM and other vendors; there is no clear roadmap for the future direction of Linux, leaving customers with some uncertainty about their investment; and finally, the resource intensive work of rigorous engineering and integration falls outside the scope of the Linux community.

In addition to the development model challenges, Microsoft believes the acquisition and services costs of Linux must increase to enable the surviving players to gain financial stability. The price increase is likely to eliminate the acquisition cost advantage of Linux.