Leaked memo reveals Microsoft Linux fear

Software PC Dealer reports on the latest developments from the US Department of Justice anti-trust trial against Microsoft.

Microsoft is trying to shake off its image of having a strangleholdepartment of Justice anti-trust trial against Microsoft. on the software area after a leaked memo revealed the vendor is concerned at the threat posed by the Linux freeware operating system to its core Windows business.

The document, dated 11 August, was believed to have been written by a Microsoft employee, Vinod Valloppillil, who admits Linux has technical advantages over NT.

The memo listed other benefits, including Linux's ability to run on smaller systems than NT and the fact that it is easier to switch from an older Unix to Linux than it is to move to the operating system.

The leaking of the memo comes as Microsoft defends itself in its anti-trust trial. As part of its defence, the software vendor is maintaining that, despite its market share, it does have not a monopoly because there are no barriers to competitors entering the operating systems market.

Microsoft's legal team has also repeatedly referred to Linux as an example of how an operating system can win market share.

The document also included a description of the Open Source Software (OSS) model of which Linux is the chief proponent and its dangers to Microsoft's business.

'OSS poses a direct, short-term revenue and platform threat to Microsoft, particularly in the server space,' the document stated. 'It has benefits that are not replicable with our licensing model and therefore presents a long-term developer mindshare threat. Linux has been deployed in critical, commercial environments with an excellent pool of public testimonials.'

It suggested ways in which Microsoft could counter Linux, including extending 'commodity protocols and services' and creating network and server protocols.

Although there were no details, it was seen as a similar move as Microsoft's attempts to pollute Java by adding proprietary technology. But the document also suggested Microsoft could adopt some of the advantages of Open Source Software, for example, by being 'more liberal' in providing partners with sourcecode licences.

This was not the first sign that Microsoft is taking Linux seriously.

Its most recent Form 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, mentions its success as a potential threat to its OS.

A representative for Microsoft was unavailable for comment.