Microsoft and Open Source
Much of the press hype about Open Source is in relation to Microsoft. Many of Microsoft's competitors have failed and practically closed up shop due to Bill Gates and Microsoft's business prowess. I am sure that some people could come up with other terms to end the last sentence and describe Microsoft's business strategies, but I respect the results of our free market system. So by default, everyone seems to want to rival Open Source against Microsoft. It is true that Linux, a popular Open Source server platform, is quickly invading Microsoft's territory; however, Microsoft makes most of its money on desktop products like client Windows systems and Microsoft Office. So, I do not see Open Source truly threatening Microsoft's stronghold anytime soon, but I am no fortune-teller, and as we all know, anything can happen. I think that Microsoft does see that somewhere down the road Open Source will encroach on its market share. My stance on the issue is this: Why can't we all get along? This book will show you many Open Source products running on Windows and a few C# applications running on Linux. I have worked mostly for Microsoft-based software houses, and I have worked with some engineers who will not accept Open Source as a hard and fast rule. I have also worked with software in embedded systems, and many engineers in that field would not be caught dead using Microsoft products. I do not feel strongly one way or the other. I say, "Use the best tool for the job." I know this sounds cliché and is not a strong advocacy statement for either side, but frankly I am growing tired of having to take sides at all. Obviously this book attests to the fact that I believe Open Source development projects are now a more viable solution on the Windows platform because of .NET. |
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