[NTLUG:Discuss] Fwd: [Fwd: Fwd: Intel opts for Linux over Windows...]

[Gregory A. Edwards]

World domination is comming:)

----------  Forwarded Message  ----------
> 
> Intel opts for Linux over Windows for Web devices
> 
> 
> 
> Intel burned more bridges with Microsoft as it announced plans to base 
> a range of Internet access products around Linux rather than Windows.
> The chip giant will develop Web appliances, using its Celeron processor,
> that will enable home users to access the Internet without the need for a 
> PC. The company said its decision to use open source was driven by the
> needs of customers who helped develop the product so far, with cost and
> flexibility being the key factors.
>
> Rob Hailstone, research director at Bloor Research, believes the move 
> could put pressure on the alliance between Microsoft and Intel: "There is 
> a limited future for the Wintel alliance. I don't think it is going to affect the 
> PC market place directly but I think that there will be growing pressure from
> PC vendors who will put Intel technology inside PCs that are increasingly
> shipping with Linux. And this will put an extra strain on Wintel."
>
> Intel intends to offer the devices through ISPs and telcos as a platform from
> which end users can access a variety of services including email, Internet
> telephony and Web browsing. 
>
> Although the company claims it won't be in direct competition with the PC
> market it does anticipate an overlap. A spokesman for Intel said: "We are
> targeting people who would never consider buying a PC. There will be a
> small degree of overlap but this will be more of a communication device."
>
> Hailstone argued Linux holds a number of advantages over Windows for this
> kind of application. "I think this is going to be a very cost-sensitive market 
> and using Linux avoids the need to pay a royalty outside the organisation. 
> Also it makes it a lot easier to build the sort of functionality that this sort of
> application needs," he said. 
>
> Eddie Beasdale, director of Netproject agreed. "Linux is secure, reliable
> and cheap - this is just part of an inevitable process that will make it
> the dominant operating system," he said. 
>  
> The first products will be available in mid-2000 and existing customers 
> include NEC's Biglobe in Japan and Laser-Galeries Lafayette group in
> France. 
>  
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-- 
Greg Edwards
New Age Software, Inc.
http://www.nas-inet.com