Microsoft Criticizes South Korean Government's Linux Push

South Korean government efforts to promote the use of open-source operating systems, such as Linux, have been met with resistance from Microsoft, which claims that such a move could hinder the country's software industry development. Microsoft argues that intellectual property rights for software developers are not guaranteed, making it unlikely for the government-sponsored plan to succeed. The company's Asia-Pacific chief technology officer, Peter Moore, stated that Microsoft's operating system, Windows, is cheaper than Linux due to lower software development costs, despite the fact that Linux is free and its source code is available for modification. Microsoft has launched a campaign to counter the growing popularity of Linux-based software, known as "Get the Facts."

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft has publicly criticized the South Korean government's move to promote Linux, citing concerns about intellectual property rights for software developers.
• Microsoft claims that Linux is not a viable option for the country's software industry due to its open-source nature and lack of guaranteed intellectual property rights.
• Peter Moore, Microsoft's Asia-Pacific chief technology officer, stated that Windows is cheaper than Linux due to lower software development costs.
• Microsoft has launched a campaign called "Get the Facts" to counter the growing popularity of Linux-based software.
• The government-sponsored plan to boost open-source software products is unlikely to succeed unless intellectual property rights for software developers are guaranteed.
• Domestic software companies are increasingly opting for Linux-based solutions to offer cheap and user-friendly information technology devices.
• Linux is freely distributed online, and its programming codes are available to all, making it a rival to Microsoft Windows.
• The underlying code in open-source software, such as Linux, is free, and proponents claim it is more stable and secure than Microsoft's Windows products.

Statistics:

• Linux shipments on servers increased by 24% last year compared to 20% for Microsoft, according to market research firm IDC.
• Linux on servers was the fastest-growing operating system last year, according to IDC market research.
• Microsoft's Asia-Pacific chief technology officer, Peter Moore, has stated that Windows is cheaper than Linux due to lower software development costs.
• The Korean government tends to implement open-source software policy without proper information on the industry and technology, Moore said.

Sources:

• Asia Pulse, March 4, 2003, "Microsoft Downplays S. Korean Linux Move"
• (Yonhap) 04-03-2003