__/ [ Mark Kent ] on Friday 15 September 2006 08:25 \__
> begin oe_protect.scr
> Roy Schestowitz <newsgroups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> espoused:
>> Linspire Offers Cash Incentive for Pre-Installing Linux on Desktop
>> Computers
>>
>> ,----[ Quote ]
>>| Linspire, Inc., developer of the commercial desktop Linux operating
>>| system of the same name and Freespire, the free community desktop Linux
>>| operating system, launched a revamped partner program today that pays
>>| system builders a percentage on all commercial Linux software and
>>| services purchased by users of either Linspire and Freespire
>>| pre-installed desktop and laptop computers using CNR (Click 'N Run)
>>| technology.
>> `----
>>
>>
http://www.tickertech.com/cgi/?a=news&ticker=a&w=&story=200609200609140600PR_NEWS_USPR_____LATH078
>>
>> Lispire is headed by a guy with very deep pockets. Together with
>> Shuttleworth, he could make it happen very quickly, e.g. free CD's,
>> long-term investments.
>
> Simply put, offering cash for pre-installs of linux is not significantly
> different to what MS have been doing - offering discounts for
> pre-installs and threats of retaliation for installing competing OSes.
Precisely, but here the gains are made by customers' use of the operating
system. The earning are shared with the seller and make up for associated
expenses. I guess it's the only way to more rapidly challege a company that
bribes Web hosts, businesses in need of HPC, and pretty much any other place
that badly relects on Microsoft's 'market share'. If you can't offer them
good software, make a financial incentive. With Linux, it's only a matter of
fear and reluctance (Microsoft scare tactics don't help either). I have
evidence (from Web hosts) that suggests Microsoft's use of financial
incentives, e.g. free hardware. It's a way to lock in the customer using
proprietary software and formats. On the contrary, in the Linux world,
everyone is free to 'dance' with different vendors. The lockin approach is
based on the exit barrier priciples. Open Source is about open -- and thus
fair -- competition. And it's a shame that with so many greedy companies
around, the "if he does it, so can I" excuse is used to frequently. And
Google is no exception, despite the mantra.
Best wishes,
Roy
--
Roy S. Schestowitz | "Quote when replying in non-real-time dialogues"
http://Schestowitz.com | GNU is Not UNIX | PGP-Key: 0x74572E8E
roy pts/4 Fri Sep 15 11:06 still logged in
http://iuron.com - proposing a non-profit search engine
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