Dell Mail Reeks of Redmond's Fear

LXer Feature: 01-Feb-2007 Recently publicized Microsoft e-mails about Dell reveal more than Microsoft's thinking about Dell's "betrayal". The e-mails demonstrate Microsoft's warranted fear of the penguin.

Did you read the PDF file containing the e-mail discussion about Dell? In brief, Russ Holt, the guy behind Dell's Linux push, made comments at a forum that Microsoft didn't like. The e-mails focus on Microsoft's position toward Dell. But one of the last e-mails, from Paul Flessner, underscores the severity of the Linux threat.

Microsoft's Motive

It's true that having the complete thread would enlighten us more fully. Yet, this particular thread was brought to light in regards to the relationship between Dell and Microsoft. It is clear that Bill Veghte was, well, surprised by Holt's comments on Red Hat being easier to work with than Microsoft. The ensuing discussion takes us through the various views of each participant on how to address the relationship with Dell. What caught my attention was the resignation with which Microsoft seemed to be accepting Linux as a competitive threat.

Paul Flessner, the man who said Microsoft should "whack" Dell, lets his motive shine brightly. After pointing out that Dell is seeking to expand their profit margin by $50 per PC, he goes on to ask, "Where are our advantages? That is a productive discussion." While any business should continually assess their advantages, I'm not so sure this is one of those discussions. It appears to be a more genuine question, as if he, or Microsoft as a whole, really does not know where their advantages are.

Flessner goes on to say, "This is life. I am not giving up. I don't have a penguin in my basement. I LOVE Windows, which is why I want us to face this..." So, he's not giving up, is he? Is it really that bad? Are things so bad he has to talk about not giving up? Those are usually the words of an underdog - not the king of the hill. People say they're not giving up when they face a serious challenge. It sure looks like Microsoft was facing a serious challenge in 2002.

Business As Usual for Dell

I also think the e-mails point out some interesting things about Dell's relationship with Microsoft. Many in the FOSS community seem to think that Microsoft bullies Dell at will. Yet, these e-mails demonstrate that Dell is quite independent, and even a serious Linux vendor. It's true they haven't put much into desktop Linux, but they apparently have a fairly strong relationship with Red Hat in the server arena. They even see greater synergy with Red Hat. While Veghte called that notion "ironic", the code for GNU/Linux is Free and open - there is nothing ironic about it.

Obviously the Linux community's primary concern with Dell is on the desktop. Still, I think it's important to point out that Dell uses Linux to its benefit, just like the rest of us. They use it in their ordering system. They use it in negotiations with Microsoft. And they sell it with Oracle to enterprises. In other words, I think the Linux community already has a great deal of influence with Dell. And Microsoft knows it.

So maybe Dell still doesn't have any big plans for GNU/Linux on the desktop. The fact remains that Dell and HP both see the value of GNU/Linux. Even if these and other vendors cannot or will not say so publicly, they probably even see the advantages of GNU/Linux over Windows. Here's the thing. Microsoft's response is, increasingly, to crack down on so-called piracy. They trap a lot of innocent "victims" in the process. It's a lot like a government that does not know how to fight a guerrilla war - their actions are too strong and too desperate, and will create a backlash.

Fear Response

Microsoft's current behavior - whacking partners and treating software users like drug users - is driven by fear. It's driven by the fear of losing more than anything else. Microsoft was built on Gates' competitive personality. Neither does Microsoft really understand the power of collaboration, and fear is their response. If Microsoft's latest patent submission - the DRM'ed modular OS - is any indicator, then Seattle needs to prepare for the economic implosion of Mount Saint Redmond.

References

• Iowa Consumer Case E-Mail Evidence