Here’s an interesting commentary from London about Steve Ballmer’s recent visit there and customer reactions.
Based upon what I’ve been hearing, Microsoft’s recent licensing changes have driven enterprise customers up the wall. Those customers don’t get mad — they get even. And they will get even with Microsoft’s greed on their latest licensing efforts. It’s called “Linux in the Enterprise”, among other things. It may take a little time, but it’s coming.
Microsoft has acquired both Great Plains and Navision — and both companies have relied on “closed” distribution channels. For example, you can’t go to Microsoft’s web site and purchase a copy of Great Plains like you can with Office XP.
It will be fascinating to watch how this evolves — Microsoft will be torn between wanting to go “direct” vs. respecting the VAR channels already in place. An inherent conflict, not easily resolved.
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