Dear Members of the Community I regret the delay in posting our 'side of the story' w.r.t. Microsoft at LinuxAsia 07. Here's our attempt...
First--about four years back, when we had just about launched LINUX For You, I had the opportunity to attend a Bill Gates press conference. I even got a chance to pose a question. I asked, "What's your strategy for Linux?" He replied with a naughty smile, "What Linux?" and that was it. I was left wishing that Linux/OSS would soon grow to a stage where the strategy question would evoke a more thoughtful reply. Thanks to determined efforts of the community to promote Linux/OSS and willingness of the Indian customers to adopt Linux/OSS--the equation has become much more balanced. When we bagged the Microsoft deal--we knew that it was a strong acknowledgement of this fact especially w.r.t. India. Hence, we've always interpreted Microsoft's sponsorship as a strong acknowledgement of Linux/OSS. Second--since LA 04, we've been wanting Microsoft to participate in LinuxAsia. In fact, it did present a couple of talks in the first LinuxAsia, one of which was very highly attended. But, the next two (LAs) saw no participation. One of the key goals of LinuxAsia has been to accelerate the adoption of Linux/OSS amongst customers, and customers like to hear the stories of both sides. We wanted to tell 'all' stories, but on a platform where Linux/OSS had an advantage. LA 07--was one such platform. Third--many of you have questioned--why a non-Linux player should sponsor an event like LinuxAsia? Multiple reasons... a) Microsoft, due to its recent Novell deal, has entered the Linux terrain--though indirectly. Recently, it even sold Novell's Linux' Virtualisation Support to Walmart as part of a mega deal. b) Events are sponsored viewing the target audience. We almost had Suzuki Zen agree to be the biggest sponsor for LinuxAsia--now they dont have much to do with Linux/OSS, but they certainly find the audience suited for their marketing efforts. Thus, event sponsorship has a lot to do with the audience profile. Also, we never expected Microsoft to promote open source at LA, but by being there and investing in an event that in turn promotes Linux/OSS--they did end up promoting the cause. Fourth--so can a Linux/OSS-competitor be allowed to rule the agenda? No. We worked hard, behind the scenes, with microsoft, to ensure that none of their messages chided the Linux/OSS philosophy. Where-ever, we felt that there were chances of a debate, we prepared our teams and some members of the community to ensure that the Linux/OSS message was put across strongly. The CXOSummit was a major case in point, where we knew Frost & Sullivan would table the "TOC study", but advanced preparation and some great panellists ensured that Linux/OSS emerged stronger--and that infront of some of the leading CXOs of Delhi. (I hope a few members of the LUG were there at the CXOsummit, and can share their experience.) Fifth--so will we have KFC sponsor an all vegetarian's conference? A very difficult question indeed, especially if one attempts to reply it with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. But keeping the above points in mind (especially #1 and #3) , we believed Microsoft's presence helped prove to the customers that Linux/OSS has gained significant ground. Going by the audience profile at the CXOSummit--we believe we did manage to get many non-Linux lovers to listen to the Linux/OSS message--something we had not achieved in earlier LAs. Sixth--so why is media saying "Microsoft takes Linux by Strorm"? Probably because we are not telling the media--the other side of the story. Probably, because many of us have given up on the media--as one that cant be influenced, and instead aee chanelling our energy at easier targets. Point-to-ponder: Does Microsoft's presence at LA really meant that it has taken the Linux/OSS industry by storm or is completely opposite? Can't we do "+1" for writing letters/emails to such editors--explaining them the context and requesting them to do a more balanced story? Our (LINUX For You) strategy has been to be "open" to all views--but be ready and prepared to push and promote our's and then let the best 'one' win. And we do believe that Linux/OSS is the 'best' one. What about you? :-) Best Wishes! Rahul Chopra Member, FOSII & Editor, LINUX For Ypu _______________________________________________ ilugd mailinglist -- ilugd@lists.linux-delhi.org http://frodo.hserus.net/mailman/listinfo/ilugd Archives at: http://news.gmane.org/gmane.user-groups.linux.delhi http://www.mail-archive.com/ilugd@lists.linux-delhi.org/
