Joe says:
"Yesterday, Forrester Research predicted declines in IT spending this year. For some businesses tired of paying hefty licensing fees to Microsoft, lower-cost Google apps, backed by the same resellers selling Microsoft software, will appeal."
----------------------------------------------------
I found the first link in this the most interesting part of the whole article, not that the rest wasn't. I tend to think that a 3% decline in IT sending this year as predicted by Forrester, is optimistic, at best. And this Recession/Depression, could go on a lot longer than everyone thinks. On the consumer end, December was not a good month in sales for the Xmas season. Not sure how computer sales did during December. But one think is clear, MS sales and profit are directly tied to OEM sales.

And Windows Seven is Vista, which will be like Vista, in that it will mostly just come on new machines. The only real important upgrade path to Seven, will be for those who already have a Vista machine. Do not expect those with XP machines to "upgrade" to Seven, few will.

Microsoft will be under pressure from OEM's to reduce the price of OEM windows, during this recession. Failure to do so, will usher in more pre-installs of GNU/Linux. The OEM's are hurting, and are going take some chances.

Here is the thing. It takes time to form a healthy partnership, Google just announced this thing. Microsoft as noted has a base of 640 thousand or more. Microsoft has the platform to compete in both fat and thin client. Services such as Exchange Online, CRM Online, Outlook Web Access, future versions of Office Web applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

Microsoft does the web just as good as Google or even better. The other thing to take into account, when both of these offerings are out on the table, which one you think businesses are most likely to choose? Based on what I have see, Word in the browser kicks Google Docs to the curb. The full fidelity and rich editing will surely be a draw to customers.

Andre, are you going to answer if you were at the PDC last year? Your blog says you were not going yet an independant site quotes a comment from you there. What is the truth? There is an allegation that you recieved a free laptop, is this true? How do you expect people to buy into what you are saying when you wont even clear this matter up?

One thing about a nice and deep correction are the opportunities that otherwise would never present themselves.

GAPS penetration into the MS Office market is one of those opportunities. I'm excited to see what Google and other players will come up with in order to gain leverage against MS's current dominance in so many ways. Or perhaps it will jump start MS towards better products, whether you like them or not.

I wonder if we will all be more or less secure online with this combination of new products, decrease in IT spending, etc.

My company pays me about $100k per year, they buy me a $1200 laptop which i will run for 4 years minimum. Out of that $1200, $150 goes to MS for OS and Office. Google apps is $50/year and isn't as good, ie, $200 for 4 years, how can that possibly be a good deal?

@Goblin - That is precisely the point! I was at the Microsoft Partner Conference - and I am a Microsoft Partner!

We are Microsoft Partners because - a) yes as you allude to - we believe the Microsoft solutions are better for our clients, but also b), because our company can make money from the services and consulting we provide to clients (they pay because they see value)

Unless Google can prove both of the points above, they will fail - just as the Linux vendors have failed to build a substantial partner base - partners don't make money from their solutions.

Don't be naive - and also don't assume that just because you don't believe in the value of Microsoft solutions that other organisations feel the same way.

@Peter;

I prefer Microsoft Office above and beyond any other Office suite out there on the market. I've tried other so-called solutions, but never felt satisfied, confident, and above all, a service toward others.

Microsoft Office is the "standard" out here in the world that I dwell in. In my profession Microsoft Office is a must, it is also that way in my home office. Google and Open Office does not apply to the host of other companies and services that demand or require office productivity collaboration, and they all use Microsoft Office.

Personally, I've tried the other products, nothing I see is a value to me like MS Office. No sir, for me, "accept no substitute."

I also will be not naive and say, what works great and seamless for me, may not work for others. Though, these other office products, such as the "free alternatives" and competitors are all bunk, I also value competition.

Competition is a good thing, it keeps Microsoft from being or getting complacent in achieving an argumentatively great product.

Also, I am personally excited to look forward to the new Office 14 and see what is in store.

@Steve

Where I sit, and all the things I do, I cannot see any "value" in Google other than keeping Microsoft on their productive toes to keep generating a great Office Suite.

Quote Peter "Don't be naive - and also don't assume that just because you don't believe in the value of Microsoft solutions that other organisations feel the same way."
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Ive always made it clear that whilst MS solutions are not a consideration domestically for me, I have on numerous occasions stated that I rely on MS apps at work to make money and Im caught in the .net (sic)
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The point I make (or try to) is that for most proprietary packages there is an alternative one. If that is open source or indeed another proprietary solution it doesnt matter.
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I believe that IF Win 7 is as good as some initial reports suggest, then that is in no small part due to alternatives, as MS IMO has been shaken up in respect of Vista and peoples opinion, and I believe forced to "up its game" this is why alternatives are so important. Would anyone like to imagine a world where MS had no competition?
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It wouldnt matter then if Vista was any good or not, as people would have to "like it or lump it" (pretty much like an Xbox user has to if they want to play online, they dont get a choice, its either MS way or no way.)
I think everyone here will agree that a totally dominating MS would be bad for the end user, be it comercial or domestic and I think now that Linux is in a better position than it ever was before, the products will feed off each other and only serve to be better for the end user.
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I believe MS has received an important message, and if Windows 7 does turn out great, you wont find me knocking it. (Just like I havent XP, which I consider one of the most stable systems I had ever used - with a proactive approach by me to malware detection)
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The question is now, will Win 7 be taken up by the end user, will MS Office be seen as value for money compared with Open Office and what is the future for MAC?

Simple question here Dranoi, I can fully appreciate your comments that MSoffice is great for you:
Quote "Personally, I've tried the other products, nothing I see is a value to me like MS Office. No sir, for me, "accept no substitute."
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Why is it better? What advantages does it offer you?
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Id be genuinely interested to know.
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If anyone else here can give me reasons why MSoffice is considered value over the free Open Office or ABIword, Id love to hear them as well. What is the benefit to the end user that justifies the expense of purchase?
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and please, dont insult my intelligence by suggesting VB script. We've had that debate already.

@Goblin;

I figured I explained it quite succinctly in my former comment. My reasons are listed there.

I will also say that I LOVE the ribbon, the over all layout and GUI. I like the power of the wonderful features and functionality...

This is not up for debate.

@Goblin

I use OpenOffice 3.0 at home and at work just fine. I can open and use all Excel and Word docs that my coworkers send me and I can create and edit PDF's.

I have the ability to open and create Powerpoint presentations as well.

For development I use Eclipse and it has plugins for every language (minus Microsoft proprietary languages).

If I need to use an Exchange server, I use Evolution Email suite at work which has an Exchange plugin. I can sync with calendar and do everything that everone else would do.

Honestly, I don't need to purchase a single product Microsoft makes and haven't for some time.
I used to work for them and got sick of their product being hacked, crashing, freezing up, etc. Their product was poorly designed from the start and has been based upon a paradigm of bad design.

*NIX system like BSD (which Macs are based upon), Linux, or Unix are based upon a system of sandboxed security a separating of processes that allows for greater stability and better security. It's why Microsoft can't get a foothold in the server space and is constantly shrinking.

It's also why developers (minus GAME developers) have been moving away from Microsoft. They are losing hearts and minds because they do not think like developers... they think like marketers. And marketers aren't the ones who promote and buy their products in businesses, schools and governments. It's developers, geeks and IT depts.

Goblin asks to Draoi Dubh, about M$ Office: "Why is it better? What advantages does it offer you?"

And the best that Draoi Dubh can come up with is "the Ribbon," in 2007.

Here is my reasons for why OpenOffice is better than M$ Office:

1. Works right out of the box, without 2 or 3 massive bug and security service packs to download and install unlike M$ Office 2003.

2. No serials numbers to safeguard and remember, or big hassle to "activate" like in the M$ product.

3. Its open source, as in the code can be read, so you know many eyes have looked at it. Unlike the M$ product that spies on you with its WGA.

4. OpenOffice supports ODF right out of the box, not sure about M$ product, most likely they still trying to lock in people on their so called "standard."

5. The Price, OpenOffice, KOffice, and even Abiword are all free. Compared to up to $500 bucks for MS product, well its no way I going use the MS product. WHATEVER FOR?

6. OpenOffice and Abiword are available for free, for most platforms, including Windows.

7. Piece of Mind, just knowing I have got away from one more buggie MS product is a joy and a savings.

8. And since I do not work for MS, as Draoi Dubh implied, stated, or humorlessly tried to confuse, give cover for, or ridicule Andre, I will state that I have no reason to promote Microsoft's product, unlike Draoi Dubh, who might. Draoi Dubh, it would be nice if you could explain the post (if it was yours) about being a MS shill and email Ballmer. By that I mean if it was a joke, and why you posted it? Just curious as to why you wasted everyone's time with that.

www.openoffice.org/

Get your free openoffice now, and save big bucks and have a far better experience.

Correction to my above post: (should have read)

8. And since I do not work for MS. But as Draoi Dubh has implied, stated, that he does, or humorlessly tried to confuse, give cover for, or ridicule Andre, I will state that I have no reason to promote Microsoft's product, unlike Draoi Dubh, who might. Draoi Dubh, it would be nice if you could explain the post (if it was yours) about being a MS shill and email Ballmer. By that I mean if it was a joke, and why you posted it? Just curious as to why you wasted everyone's time with that.

The post of Draoi Dubh, if, it is his is in the other thread:

http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/advertising_search/the_end_of_yahoo_as_we_know_it.html

Just to clarify my previous post.

Joe -- Grab the net, I got a live one here... Seems chips swallowed the hook pretty deep!

@Chips

Thanks for the link, man did I laugh my arse off on that one. Way to go Draoi!

I guess the trolls are out in full force. A person makes mention that he or she likes a certain product. The resons were clear enough in the original post concerning. What's the real problem chips and goblin, didn't someone feed you your cookies when they crossed over the bring above you both.

@Nancy:

So far, the only thing I've seen Goblin do on this thread regarding Draoi is ask for clarification on why he likes MS Office. He wasn't bashing it outright or refusing to listen to the other side.

And I reread Draoi's original post about MS Office on this thread, and the only clear point he made there was basically "I use MS Office because everyone else around me does." Then he later added in the ribbon interface. But, in all his talk about "MS Office is the best and everything else sucks", I also didn't see any real specifics on _why_ he feels that MS Office is far superior (i.e. what specific features does it offer that the others can't match, etc.) So I can understand a request for some specifics there in the spirit of a good debate and maybe even to take inventory of places where the alternatives need to improve.

@Draoi
Qoute "I figured I explained it quite succinctly in my former comment. My reasons are listed there."
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Maybe theres something wrong with Microsoft Watch. Your previous comment gave no clue to advantages. Did you mean a different thread? If so could you clarify so I can actually read these "succinct" comments of yours.
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Obviously Nancy must have read something,somewhere as he/she says "A person makes mention that he or she likes a certain product. The resons were clear enough in the original post concerning."
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Ok, thanks for that.
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Nancy, if you are going to imply either myself or Chips is a child, can you at least post like an adult. I dont see where mine or chips posts behaved like "trolls" (remember the PRO-MS ones that Joe Wilcox had to remove from this site?) and you what you are saying makes no sense "What's the real problem chips and goblin, didn't someone feed you your cookies when they crossed over the bring above you both."??? - What on earth are you trying to say?
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Nancy, thanks for the (i presume) attempted insult. Maybe you could refer me to the original post we are talking about here? As I say I would genuinely like to know.
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The sad thing is, a common insult thrown at me is that I have nothing better to do than to hang around this site. It appears Nancy does more of that then me because this elusive "other" post of draoi's totally escapes me.
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and Nancy, I am fed up of telling people this (its not as if its a secret) Joe Wilcox tackled the trolls/shillers/deceivers on this site, all of which were Pro-MS supporters. He deleted their posts and made a comment about it.
Joe says I am welcome to post here, so if you think Im a troll take it up with him instead of making silly remarks here. Its Joe's site and he's happy, leave it there, lest you look like a troll yourself.
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Since Nancy hasnt brought up the thread or comment about these OO advantages, here is a link for Open Office. I suggest anyone who is considering purchasing a proprietary office solution for either home/work, checks it out. Its a free package so you have nothing to loose. However judging by the downloads its getting, people are already starting to realize the benefits of the Open Office suite.
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http://www.openoffice.org/
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Its available in a Windows flavor, and its completely free!
As I will be accused of being an Open Source shill, and in particular an OO one, can I say for the record I dont even use it at home. I use AbiWORD since all I need is a Wordprocessor and none of the other office features OO offers.
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I would link to the AbiWORD site aswell, however as Joe states this blog wont allow more than one link in a comment.

"significantly lower cost than Microsoft Office"

Significantly lower upfront licensing cost. Not the same thing.

"easier deployment and maintenance"

Deployment probably, although don't assume everyone has high-speed to all locations. Many don't. And maintenance is TBD, as you later alluded with your TCO is unproven.

I'll do it for you. Here's the AbiWORD link:

http://www.abisource.com/

@Will and all the other Inquisitive minds...

I love Microsoft Office for the following reasons above, and all other suites that I've tried, did suck for me. My god, if you like something because you are used to it, dadgum proficient at it, what's the damn problem?

Least I tried the other products that just didn't add up for what fits me. I've been using MS Office since the early 90's after migrating from the Lotus line, and WordStar -- Give me a break, and am I a flipping Shill because I personally like a certain product?

Will, you are the only person that picked up on one of my valued reasons, "...everyone else uses it..." If I may, I would like to expand on it.

Open Office, the latest edition does not carry the rich formatting from my documents, neither does it's spreadsheets. To me it's a no brainier, is it Microsoft's fault that the software I use has exactly what I need. I also use and design Access Forms and data-links to MS SQL in a little thing called Data Projects that everyone uses extensively in my business that goes above the 10 concurrent connections -- Please...

It is painfully obvious, or it should if you followed my comments, except for the ones containing humor that "chips" should learn to scroll passed if he doesn't like what I have to say, really...

------------------------------------------------
@chips;

Since you are not the moderator of this site, or maintain or host it, what should it matter if and what I write?

I certainly don't stay up in the wee hours in the morning wondering what drivel you are writing, fair enough?

Don't be naive -- Other people are obviously enjoying what I am and have wrote here. I don't see Joe Wilcox coming down on me, do you?

Or is it something more nefarious?

Everyone has their favorites for a myriad of reasons, your precious open-source stuff doesn't make no never mind to me. I am glad for you that you have something that works and fits your needs, I do not assume that whatever works for me, will work for everyone else. I thought I made that clear enough when I discussed the reason(s) I do not like Microsoft's Desktop operating systems for my own professional and personal use.

If Microsoft is so damned crappy overall, why are people willing to spend so much per licenses for their own personal and business uses? Right or wrong (deemed in your eyes perhaps) and I'll tell you the simple reason as it is for myself, I and others like me find "value" in these products --

You are just going to have to accept this reality.

Now continue to call me a shill, since you are like to insinuate that I am, I am not. I don't sell Microsoft products, though I have an MSDN Lifetime Subscription, thanks to my friend, Steve Ballmer, of course.

I would also like to add, that I am not in a court of law, nor would I assume that you work for the Open Source Gestapo, right? So please understand from here on out, I personally don't care -- Nor did I ever, on how you personally feel about Microsoft.

I will say, that, I am sorry about your troubles and experiences with them...

Microsoft did not earn its billions by selling bogus applications and software, and I am not here to defend Microsoft. Seems that my own opinion of what I like and dislike here is causing some controversy.

@Draoi Dubh :
Yes, I got the idea it was humor, but it wasn't all that great. But it could also be "cover" for your fellow pro softie, andre da coaster as well, by making a joke out of getting free laptops and computers from Microsoft. I think maybe you tried to trivialize the point about the freebies, by making that joke post. That was the point that I was trying to make. And if you are, then why?
----------------------------------------------------
Paul says:
"Deployment probably, although don't assume everyone has high-speed to all locations. Many don't"
--------------------------------------------------
Well Paul, how about the Service Packs for MS Office 2003, I believe there are at least 2 or 3 of them, and they must be downloaded. The first one, if I remember, is almost twice the size of OpenOffice v3 download, and that for just a service pack. TCO, come on, how much cheaper can you get than free?

@Will
Cheers.
I wonder how long the Nancy handle will last. Even though Ive only been posting here about 4 months, you can already see the routine:
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1. Regular posters who dont believe everyone should blindly buy MS products are targeted (often with Childish insults)
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2. A couple of "facts" are made that when challenged are ignored.
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3. A few dubious agreement posts appear, also supporting the insult.
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4. After a short period the handles stop posting and we get the same thing all over again just with different names.
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The only exception to the rule is Andre (and a few others) although they do abide by rules 1-3.
and since Andre STILL hasnt cleared up a little discrepancy on his blog (I will be asking the question again of him for the 6th time) when he shows up, it stands to prove the points above.
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Did Andre attend the PDC last year? His blog says he wasnt going yet another site has a quote from him at the event. Did he receive a free laptop? Simple questions that he has had many oportunities to answer. Another example of rule 2 (as above)
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So come on Nancy/Draoi - Lets have a link or a repost of all these features which make an investment in MSoffice worthwhile over a free alternative such as Open Office. Lets refrain from insults and have a discussion. Its not much to ask, is it? and Andre why not answer the question? ALL OF YOU, PROVE ME WRONG (PLEASE). PROVE THAT YOU ARE NOT LIKE THE ABOVE AND SIMPLY FOLLOWING RULE 2.

@Goblin;

I am sorry for you, that is, in my case, that my own personal reasons isn't good enough for you -- Please. I will imagine that you have read my post above, same goes for you. I am glad that the open-source works for you. Also let's not be naive to assume that open-source should be accepted and used by everyone.

You're just going to have to accept that I love the Microsoft Office Suite, plain and simple like so many others do as well.

No reason, no matter what, you'll find fault in anything pertaining to the reason(s) I like Microsoft. Get over it, get through it, it's life.

Off to better things....

@Draoi
Sorry, while you were posting so was I.
Thanks for responding.

Quote Draoi "and all other suites that I've tried, did suck for me."
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Well I dont know about anyone else but I dont think Ive ever seen a better and more comprehensive argument in favor of MSoffice. Draoi you ever considered reviewing software for a living? With indepth and comprehensive reports like that, I fully understand why you like MSOFFICE !?!?!
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In all seriousness though, you made a couple of other little remarks.
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Quote "I a flipping Shill because I personally like a certain product? "
- No, I never said that.
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Quote "Open Office, the latest edition does not carry the rich formatting from my documents, neither does it's spreadsheets."
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I presume by that you mean trying to load your docs into OO from MSoffice. Firstly, Id like to see examples, but since you'll probably respond with "why should I waste my time" Ill say this. Given the fact that you cant open properly your MSoffice files in OO is a little like buying a PS3 and then complaining you cant play WII games on it. If you'd used OO in the first place, you'd have all the rich formating you wanted.
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Quote "If Microsoft is so damned crappy overall, why are people willing to spend so much per licenses for their own personal and business uses? Right or wrong (deemed in your eyes perhaps) and I'll tell you the simple reason as it is for myself, I and others like me find "value" in these products --"
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Come on, youre not that silly. It comes down to market penetration, and people not knowing/having the time to find out about alternatives. Just as Google is a household name for search. MS was a household name for PC apps. That doesnt make the apps (or search engines) better, its simply the ones that people know best.
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Your opinions are your opinions. You've given reasons why you prefer MSOFFICE. Now I wont argue with alternative features that OO can offer you (as I would be guessing at your requirements) and go back to my original comment of people should try OO to see if it is suitable. Theres no harm is there? You imply from your posts that everyone should use the software that it suitable to them. So I assume you would encourage the testing of Open Office to see if it does meet their needs?
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Quote "would also like to add, that I am not in a court of law, "
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Ive read that before by a different handle. Let me check back on the posts here. That rings a bell.
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So I think its safe to say Draoi would encourage someone to check out Open Office. Afterall by Draois own admittion people are spending so much per licenses for their own personal and business uses? So there can be no harm in trying to save can there?
http://www.openoffice.org/

Just to confirm. Whilst Draoi was posting his reasons for using MSOFFICE, I was making another post.
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The posts are out of sync and the one above was made in response to Draoi's reasons.
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Hopefully the posts will now be in sync.

Draoi Dubh says:
"Now continue to call me a shill, since you are like to insinuate that I am, I am not."
-----------------------------------------------------
I don't believe that I have ever called you a Shill for Microsoft, rather I have said you are a pro-softie, meaning you like Microsoft products. That is evident from another one of your comments, you said:

"No reason, no matter what, you'll find fault in anything pertaining to the reason(s) I like Microsoft."

Still its curious, the that you would suggest that I called you a Shill, when the only person I see calling you that, is yourself.

As far as you liking MS Office and MS products, I have no problem with that. Spend money and buy what you like, like no tomorrow, more power to you and M$. But for others, I think many of us will do the wise thing and save money. Hopefully, some day you too will see the light, and come around.

test post. The site seems to be having a bit of trouble.

@Draoi:

Thanks for expanding a bit on your earlier post. I was typing this during the back and forth between you and Goblin, so this is in response only to the one you answered me with.

My thoughts:

------------------------------------------------
"If you like something because you are used to it, dadgum proficient at it, what's the problem?"

None at all. The only thing I would point out to someone rejecting an alternative due to that alone would be to compare the cost of retraining with the cost of licensing. Since much of the interface may be similar, the retraining might not be as big a deal as one would think, especially if the next version of the current program in use radically changes its interface, thereby necessitating some degree of retraining either way. But I'm talking in a general sense here; it really has to be weighed on a case-by-case basis, and then the best option selected.
-------------------------------------------

"Give me a break, and am I a flipping Shill because I personally like a certain product?"

Nope. If that alone is taken as the definition of a shill, then we are all shills here for one thing or another.

--------------------------------

"Will, you are the only person that picked up on one of my valued reasons, "...everyone else uses it..." If I may, I would like to expand on it."

And that is a valid reason. But the thing is (which you spoke a bit about later): "Why does everyone else use it?" Determining and delivering the specific answers to those types of questions can help the alternatives gain market and mind share. (At least whenever there there isn't foul play at work tilting the playing field -- but I digress)

-------------------------------

"Open Office, the latest edition does not carry the rich formatting from my documents, neither does it's spreadsheets."

Are you trying to convert from ODF to the MS binary formats or OOXML? While I agree that that is a problem, the blame for compatibility here lies with MS, not the alternatives. MS is the company that still doesn't yet officially support ODF, refused to open their binary formats until just recently, and has a well documented history of trying to shut down competitors by breaking compatibility with them. However, when MS Office does support ODF (in the next service pack, I think), perhaps that problem will diminish (assuming they make an honest effort at supporting ODF. Given their history, I'll believe it when I see it.)

------------------------------

--------------------------------------

"If Microsoft is so crappy overall, why are people willing to spend so much per licenses for their own personal and business uses? Right or wrong (deemed in your eyes perhaps) and I'll tell you the simple reason as it is for myself, I and others like me find "value" in these products --"

Could be. Probably is in some cases. But other factors that contribute are that many people just don't know that there are alternatives out there. Some don't even know the difference between Windows and their computer. I place blame for that partly on the Linux side, partly on the Microsoft side, and partly on the user side. The Linux side because it would be nice to see at least a few Linux or Ubuntu ads out there among all the "I'm a Mac" and "I'm a PC" stuff, just to let people know that there are more than 2 choices out there. (I'm not a marketer. I have no idea if that would be a good or bad idea in the long run) The Microsoft side due to their history of doing everything in their power to bully major PC vendors away from offering Linux where the customers can see it and decide for themselves. The user side because some people will never take enough interest in computing to learn that there are alternatives. They view their computer in a similar way as I tend to view my car, for better or worse.
Then of course there are the cases of MS possibly playing dirty in order to win contracts, at least going by stories I've seen at places such as the Boycott Novell site.

I will end by saying that I do agree with Goblin in that the alternatives should at least be looked at every once in a while. The open source alternatives cost nothing to test out, and they do tend to improve quite a bit over time, so what was a piece of junk program three years ago might be the best app for the job today. You never know. People should be using whatever is the best tool for the job, so looking at other tools every so often just ensures that properly informed decisions are being made.

@Joe:

Sorry for the multiple posts like that. I would have done it all in one shot, but I keep getting errors when submitting. Cutting it up reduced the errors some, but I still had to try a couple of times.

@Goblin:

Yes, I did just say I wouldn't mind seeing a few more Linux ads. I know Linux doesn't really need ads and has done pretty well for itself by just doing its thing. But I think the first time I ever hear of Linux was back during one of the old IBM ads for it that ran several years ago. That was my first exposure to the world beyond MS and Apple. And the more people that know about alternatives, the more potential users. The more potential users, the more potential happy, satisfied users. The more happy, satisfied users, the more leverage with those companies still stuck in the stone age making hardware that only works with Windows. Not to mention the less leverage MS has to potentially bully with.

@Will
Quote "Yes, I did just say I wouldn't mind seeing a few more Linux ads. I know Linux doesn't really need ads and has done pretty well for itself by just doing its thing."
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In regards to ads, I personally think "exposure" on mainstream TV would be better instead. The difficulty with ads and Linux in my opinion, would be you would have very little time to advertise something which many have little experience of.
Whilst the name Linux may become more well known, I dont really think you could counter any of the myths that exist about it in such a short time and advertise the benefits. Its a little like a Google and an MSlive TV ad. The google ad would not have to work very hard since people already know what it is (IMO).
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Will, I am personally of the opinion that qoute "The more potential users, the more potential happy, satisfied users. " is a little bit of a double edged sword. Certainly if Linux users could be spread amongst many distro's it wouldnt be a problem, my worry would be any one particular one becoming the most popular.
This is where IMO Ubuntu would need to be carefull. Its funny reading the comments from people that have moved from a Windows platform to Ubuntu who say they cant believe how quick Ubuntu is. Ubuntu is probably one of the slowest performers Ive tried, partly due to its great hardware compat. People dont realize that there are many others out there that would probably be far more suited to them personally. I truly believe if Ubuntu (or any other distro) swallowed the majority of Linux users, we would end up with a product very similar to Vista as it tries to be a jack of all trades. That would be bad (IMO) and have people switching back to Windows in a second.
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Its a little bit like the comment "Ive just installed Linux and cant get the spinny 3d cube desktop to work" there are (IMO) a community of users who place asthetics and "bling" over functionality (and thats their right) IMO these people can stay with Windows, they are not suited to Linux and Linux is not suited to them. People will, IMO come over to Linux when they are ready themselves. Ive spoken to people who, after years using MS products think "is there an alternative for me?" do research, and move to Linux because its best for them. Some may go back to Windows, some may stay with Linux. Just as I cant say Linux is the OS for everybody. Niether should MS imply that theirs is (or the pro-ms posters) You dont know until you try yourself.
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Great discussion, however quote "Not to mention the less leverage MS has to potentially bully with." Hardware issues, yes I completely agree with you and we are seeing that any hardware manufacturer that doesnt cater for people, simply doesnt get the sale.
MS bullying? I think because there is so many Linux distros, the only ones its managed to bully are the ones who jumped into the metaphorical bed with MS. Simply by looking at the click stats on distrowatch for those particular distros, says to me alot about what people think about MS's involvement with Open Source. Another example of (IMO) failure to bully would have been the "piracy incident" in China. The Piratebay actually made fun of MS, and BT downloads of MS products increased, a little poke in the eye to MS? or just a coincidence?
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The patent threat IMO is simply that. Microsoft has been burned by the EU and anti-trust already, IMO should it try to enforce any of the patents, I believe it would fail and render the whole portfolio worthless. I predict that whilst MS was seeking to get a patent on life the universe and everything (figure of speach) it is only helping highlight the worthless of the patent in respect of software/algorithms. Thats my opinion anyway and time will tell.
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But since Novell cowered to the mighty MS, I wonder: Are they looking at Canonical and thinking that maybe they shouldnt been too hasty?
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Great talking with you Will (as always)
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finally in answer to the question that a few will ask "Dont you have anything better to do than type pages of waffle?" Ill answer now:
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No I dont. At the moment I have a choice, endure X-factor with the wife or sit and type about a subject I feel very strongly about. I think the answers obvious.
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Oh and Im not doing it in a basement. Much to my displeasure our basement/cellar was turned into a guest room and my ideas of an underground hideaway were ruined.

Keep on watching the google decoys. While MS puts money into fighting google they miss the other projects that are a threat.

Don't forget nokia is in the game as well. Some of there recent moves have be far more of a worry for MS future.

quote "Keep on watching the google decoys. While MS puts money into fighting google they miss the other projects that are a threat."
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Agreed although because IMO have stuck their fingers in so many pies, it is impossible imo for them to fight on all fronts anyway. I think thats been the problem. "jack of all trades, master of none"