Authored by: Anonymous onThursday, February 08 2007 @ 09:21 MST

It's a "yes-and-no" kind of issue. I think casual and hobby users are once again finding that there are compelling reasons to explore alternatives.

The corporate world is still buying Windows heavily, and will do so for quite some time yet - that's pure inertia speaking. IT organizations are terminally conservative, and take a long time to change direction.

Microsoft's weak link is their grip in server apps. They have some good offerings, but alternative platforms are much more prevalent - and there is perception that Microsoft just "doesn't get it" where high availability and 24/7 operations are concerned.

The other factor to consider is the growing irrelevance of the general purpose PC as an entertainment device. Gaming consoles are becoming quite functionally rich and are seen by many as preferable for "recreational" use (as well as rapidly reaching the point of being a centerpiece for a "home entertainment" environment.

This has opened up some perceived flexibility for people who only use their desktop machines for "limited" uses.

- Grog
http://crystalgaze2.blogspot.com

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