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Re: Linux Event notes
I think it's a shame that the Compaq representitive said that what Compaq wants
to do is just use Linux in very specific cases/solutions.
You could tell from his figure of speech that Compaq doesn't really trust
Linux. I'd expect more confidence from a person that represents a firm that has
such great public respect.
Nobody's going to buy a Linux server from Compaq if Compaq doesn't show enough
confidence in their systems. Many OEM manufacturers invest in software
applications/gadjets for theirhardware that runs under the operating system
(i.e. Packard Bell's navigator, and all the laptop manufacturers' contol
applications.).
What I liked in Oracle's attitude and DIDN'T see in Compaq's was that Oracle
was able to say something like, "If you install Linux with kernel 2.0.34 and
Oracle 8.xx, it will run perfectly.". Not only did we not see this in Compaq's
approach, we actually heard the man saying - "We currently don't suggest Linux
as a full business solution, but only for specific cases. We are still going to
offer our Unix as a high end solution.".
Conclution: Compaq wants to make Linux a "network buttler" -- An operating
system for cheap, non-critical, non-demanding solutions, instead of scalable,
high-performance, big-time servers.
Question: Would I want to invest good money in a highly priced Compaq system
for a netowrk buttler?
Answer: Of course not!
Question: Did the Compaq representitive know that?
Answer: Of course yes!
Question: Why do Compaq want to state that they will be suporting Linux after
all?
Answer: Becuase they don't want to lose a potential market share. I wrote
"Potential" becuase Compaq, currently, doesn't earn any money from Linux
systems, and probably have no/minor knowledge of how, or what could they market
for the linux market. As Eli Marmur said in his presentation, on the day of the
event every firm will show support. The only thing Compaq stated was that if
you buy a system from them and want to install Linux on it, they won't tell you
no.
I think that software/hardware corporations/companies need to be more specific
for them selves about what exactly they want to do with Linux, and how EXACTLY
do they want to make money out of it, becuase if companies like Compaq don't
see where the money could come from, they really won't have a true intrest in
investing in Linux.
Marketing for an OSS environment is very different from a corporate operating
system, especially for OEM manucaturers. Many people get confused (including
myself, even though I'm on the customer side).
Isaac Aaron
iaaron@internet-zahav.net