Thanks, Linux

“Is Linus Torvalds secretly working for Microsoft? That sounds crazy until you consider that lately, the free operating system he created, Linux, has been helping Microsoft close deals.” So begins a Forbes’.com article written by Mr. Daniel Lyons. Now I have to admit I don’t keep up with the various OS bashers but from this article it seems to me that Mr. Lyons is not a Linux fan. The stench of bias that emanates from this piece will stink up my home for days. I don’t dispute some of the facts presented but the ensuing twisted logic and the incomprehensible conclusion are what threw me.

The bulk of the subject matter centers around the recent deal that Microsoft closed with the London borough of Newham and the cost savings that would accrue to Newham. Fact! Converting to Linux based systems will not be cost effective for everyone as the author correctly noted in addition to OS costs there are factors such as staff retraining and application compatibility to consider. Mr Steel the Newham I.T. Director is then quoted as saying “Steel admits that Microsoft cut prices to meet the Linux threat. But more important, Steel says, is that Linux ended up proving the value of Microsoft’s products.” I am truly sorry but I don’t see the connection.
This represents only a small sample of the drivel that oozes from Mr. Lyons and the quoted Microsofties. There are valid points raised but the reader has to cut through a mountain of BS to get to it. If you still want to you can read the full text here.