IBM pushes Microsoft away with non-Windows computers
By Mike Ferro
In a surprising move, IBM introduced a line of computers that will have an operating system besides Windows. The new computer-line is said to utilize Linux operating system. This may be the latest in the trend of businesses moving away from Microsoft-based operating systems.
With the release of Vista, Microsoft has been fighting an uphill battle. Most businesses are intimidated by the potential costs required to upgrade all of their computers to meet Vista’s strict requirements. With Windows XP no longer being actively supported by Microsoft, there is very little left in the way of choice.
According to Information Week, this is where IBM steps in to offer a solution to what the company perceives as a potential market. IBM calls the system, Open Collaboration Client, which combines the Linux operating system along with the company’s open source Lotus Symphony desktop package.
Symphony includes everything needed for a productive office environment, such as word processing, presentation and spreadsheet applications. According to IBM, the system can save businesses from $500 to $800 per user when compared to comparable offerings from Microsoft. IBM also points out that users save an additional $258 because there will be no need to upgrade in order to support Vista or Microsoft Office.
The company also points out that the new systems use less energy and generate less heat, which will in turn help save costs from heavy air conditioning. With companies like IBM eating away at Microsoft’s market share, things are starting to look a little bleak for Vista.
Despite the fact that the PC market grew 10 percent to 12 percent during the same period, Microsoft’s revenue only increased a measly 2 percent. There is a definite sign of slowing down for the corporate giant. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft will have any better luck with the next iteration of Windows.
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Read more entries by Mike Ferro.
Stumble It!
December 7th, 2008
IBM should have ported AIX instead of releasing OS/2. Who knew?
December 7th, 2008
You have a quarter. I give you another. You have a 100% increase. I have a million. I only get a measly 10% .
I’m doomed.
I’d be interested to see a more detailed breakdown of what comprises “PC market”.
Are you including hardware sales, software, total revenue?