Always nice to know that MSFT is strong-arming schools. While Gates himself is an extraordinary philanthropist, almost without peer, his company seems to be totally missing the boat. I agree that licensing is important and should be enforced, but the tactics employed need to be different depending on the situtation. Given that Philadelphia has the poorest schools in the country, the company ought to look a little closer at the circumstances and try to help rather than threatening legal action and making boasts about $100 million dollar fines. Educational resources are different from the regular market, but the BSA seems to look at it as any other for-profit group trying to cheat them. I should point out that the Business Software Alliance (BSA) does not include every software company, though it includes almost every heavy-hitter save Sun. Moreover, Sun is producing a number of open-source software alternatives including Star Office. I've not used it yet, but I hope it can be made into a viable alternate to MSFT Office. I should note that Apple is a member of the alliance and is also one of the best companies in supporting schools. They have consistently tailored their products for educational use and take a very pro-active approach with institutions. However, my contempt for MSFT continues to deepen and while I have made forays into Linux before without staying, I may have to make a permanent move especially considering the fact that MSFT doesn't seem to realize that the Court of Appeals ruling puts them in serious trouble.
- posted by levinson @ 7/10/2001 07:35:00 AM