Microsoft debunks Linux myths

Finally Microsoft - in the person of vice-president Jim Allchin, amongst others - speaks the truth. Not because they want to, but because they are forced to. The quotes in this article are taken from the exhibits 7168 and 7175 of the "Comes vs. Microsoft" case, which were published by Roy Schestowitz. Note that these protocols were made in 2002, when Linux was much less mature. The same applies to Windows, of course. It is up to you to decide how much progress each platform has made since then.

Linux is just as expensive as Windows

Cost is a first thing on everyone’s mind right now given the economy and pressure on cost reduction. (..) We really need some here. (..) If the IDC report won’t cut it, then we get another one done. Some customers know that Linux isn’t really free, but we need to help the other customers see this.

Microsoft admits that Linux is cheaper than Windows since it is willing to "investigate" this over and over again until it gets the results it wants. Yes, this was the start of the classic "Get the facts" FUD campaign. It also shows that Microsoft has no scruples whatsoever to buy fake reports or to bribe editors and journalists in order to obtain the publicity it so desperately needs.

Windows is just as capable as Linux

So what I want to know is how, from your perspective, are our products not matching up today; what should we, in your opinion, be doing about it?

Linux is getting in some places based on the fact that customers are trying to scale up and they can’t run applications independently/safely on Windows.

Customers are very smart about the problems (eg., registry issues, lack of support from 3rd parties (..), etc.)

Customers are very disappointed (outright angry!).

Microsoft states several times that their products are seriously lacking in various aspects and Linux is fully capable of filling that gap, since it doesn't have these problems in the first place.

Linux is difficult to use

So is Linux going to be harder? I disagree with you. (..) Click, click, click you’re done. Same thing with Linux.

It’s going to get even easier. It will catch up with utilities and so on. And it’s already there. So I think it’s very close to being there.

Yes, Microsoft says "Linux is easy"! So, don't take my word for it; ask the "experts"!

Windows is just as secure as Linux

What can we do - what’s the number one problem with Microsoft that you have? Security.

And like I said, there’s nothing we can do to - every time we try to - we got the FBI involved, but our hands are tied.

I mean, it’s not like Linux or Solaris or - you pick your system.

Microsoft acknowledges that Windows has a serious security problem, unlike Solaris or Linux systems. In the same sentence they also debunk the myth that Windows problems are solely due to their marketshare. The funny thing is that they try to "fix" their problems by pursuing the perpetrators. Although that is not a bad idea, it won't make Windows any more secure.

Linux is not a threat to Windows

My conclusion: We are not on a path to win against Linux We must change some things and we must do it immediately.

I have more and more clients asking me about it.

Is it something to worry about? I believe so.

We feel a huge threat from Linux.

I am scared.

Your honor, I rest my case.