Microsoft Loses to Linux in Thailand Struggle (LinuxInsider) [LWN.net]

Microsoft Loses to Linux in Thailand Struggle (LinuxInsider)

Posted Nov 12, 2003 20:50 UTC (Wed) by pjs (guest, #10927)
Parent article: Microsoft Loses to Linux in Thailand Struggle (LinuxInsider)

When slashdot linked to Inforworld's coverage in May, Infoworld quoted IDC senior research analyst Bryan Ma, saying:

"This could make Microsoft tremble in its boots," Ma said. "What you've got is a blank canvas in which the user can paint any color he wishes whether that's officially licensed Microsoft software or pirated software."

The infoworld article also claimed linux "could bring about support issues". Along with other comments anti-linux comments, Infoworld wrote "that doesn't mean that other emerging markets in the region will necessarily jump on the Linux bandwagon".

Admittedly, today's story is written by LinuxInsider, they quote not IDC but Gartner, the other conservative research company that's long stood behind Microsoft, but ultimately publishes what the common conservative sentiment of the day happens to be (because that's what "executives" are willing to buy).

Now the story is completely different.

Rather than preloaded linux being a "blank canvas" worthy of only deletion to may way for pirated Microsoft Windows, Garner says:

While some buyers still will install pirated copies of Microsoft's software, Gartner estimates that 70 percent of Thai consumers will stick with Linux, citing freely available software, lower prices and lack of knowledge among first-time PC owners.

The FUD of "support issues" has turned into "the Thai edition of Linux is easier to learn than Windows".

But best of all, IDC's believe that others won't "jump on the Linux bandwagon" has magically turned into "Thai PC Market My Change Global Windows Landscape" (Gartner's report title, not LinuxInsider's opinon).

Yeah, admittedly IDC and Gartner aren't the same people.

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