Microsoft disgruntled with partner Dell's interest in open source
Saturday, January 27, 2007
According to a 2002 email exchange obtained by lawyers in an Iowa case, Microsoft executives wanted to "whack" Dell because it was focusing on Linux deals a little too much.
The first email by Bill Veghte, currently a company vice president, describes a Linux panel where a Dell executive explains their plans to increase Linux in the enterprise market. The responses to his email start in a worried tone over market competition but quickly escalates as Paul Flessner, a senior vice president in Microsoft's server applications unit, states:
Now there is nothing to disagree around what we should do. We should whack them, we should make sure they understand our value, we should do all the things you and Brian suggest. |
Paul Flessner then goes on to describe the advantages to promote Linux over Windows for Dell:
A recent study funded by the EU Commission concluded that "in almost all the cases, a transition toward open source reports of savings on the long-term costs of ownership of the software products." In addition, Microsoft has long been at the center of criticism and allegations over its alleged unfair and anticompetitive business tactics in Europe and elsewhere.
Related news
[edit]- "EU report in favour of adopting open source software" — Wikinews, Jan 18 2007
Sources
[edit]- Anne Broache. "Did Microsoft want to 'whack' Dell over its Linux dealings?" — CNet, Jan 26, 2007
- Dan Goodin. "Microsoft execs jilted by an unfaithful Dell" — The Register, Jan 27, 2007
External links
[edit]- Email exchange between Microsoft Executives obtained by attorneys in Iowa.