On Sat, 2005-07-30 at 11:15 -0400, Chad Smith wrote: > Ian, Since OOo came out, like 5 years ago, virtually *every* > computer-related cost has dropped. I think you are giving *FAR* too > much credit to OOo. I mean, 5 years ago, I couldn't buy a 2 GHz + > machine for less than $2000, now I can get one for like $300. Is that > because of OOo?
I'm not an expert on the education market - although Ian is - but there is certainly very strong evidence that OOo is forcing down MS prices in the emerging markets. Two examples: Thailand's ICT Peoples PC Project, 2003 - Linux / OOo based. MS responded with a special Thai version of MS-Windows and MS-Office for 1500 Baht. Malaysia's PC Gemilang Project, 2004 - Linux / OOo based. MS responded with a Bahasa Malaysia version of XP and Works Suite for 150 Ringgit. OOo has a double hit on MS: OOo is a straight competitor for MS-Office for MS-Windows users; Ooo also provides Linux with a full featured, MS-Office file-compatible office suite for the first time, so Linux becomes a viable competitor to MS-Windows for desktop users. It is not surprising that MS will respond by trying to segment the market and drop prices at the bottom end. John --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
