It’s Not ALL About Linux

There’s no denying that Microsoft is worried about Linux — and justifiably so. But, contrary to prevailing “wisdom,” this fear is not dictating Microsoft’s every move.

Wait! Before you burn me in effigy atop a pyre of flaming “Linux for Dummies” books, hear me out.

I am discounting neither the value of Linux, nor the huge impact it has had on Microsoft and its customers. Microsoft watches Linux like a hawk and has folks on the Windows Server team who are dedicated to following every open-source twist and turn. And I, for one, am ecstatic that Redmond has some real competition, thanks to Linux and its backers.

But Microsoft knows there is a whole community of folks out there who are married to the Microsoft mob. For better or for worse. Whether Microsoft makes them richer or poorer. Until bankruptcy do they part.

In many markets where Microsoft competes, Linux and open source don’t factor into the equation. Linux doesn’t show up on Microsoft’s desktop OS radar. It doesn’t figure when it comes to the market for desktop office suites. Dev tools? Gaming? Open source is just a blip.

Nonetheless, it’s become chic to use Linux as the yardstick for every move Microsoft makes. But to do so is to gloss over Microsoft’s real motivations.

Here are three examples of what I’m talking about: