Ballmer Memo: Windows cost and security beat Linux
CRN.com | at | by Mike
In the four page memo, Ballmer said the hefty premiums that Linux vendors Novell, Red Hat and IBM charge for must have items such as technical service and support, product warranties and licensing indemnification outweigh the cost advantages of free, open-source software.
"There is no question that customers are benefiting today from a healthy, competitive IT industry Customers have a clearer opportunity than ever before to evaluate choices," Ballmer stated. "It's pretty clear the facts show that Windows provides a lower total cost of ownership than Linux. The number of security vulnerabilities is lower on Windows, and Windows' responsiveness on security is better than Linux. And Microsoft provided uncapped [intellectual property] indemnification of their products."