On 09/12/2009 Edward Kerr wrote: > And when Linux does appear to make an > appearance, most of the world seems to ignore it, or, as in the recent > case of Netbooks, go back and install XP!
this was an interesting example of how Linux created a change in the market place but unfortunately became a victim of that change. Microsoft were doing their best to retire XP but had to go into reverse and extend its life and continue to supply it to OEMs in order to snuff out the growth of Linux on Netbooks. I dare say the pricing / discounting was adjusted as well, so that XP wasn't much of a price premium to the OEMs esp if it had lower support costs. The commercial world, at least in the UK, had little to gain from selling a Linux netbook. PC World's business methods and staff management is based around having (fairly) competitive hardware pricing and a high "upsell" on accessories. If the store is hell bent on selling you add-ons then a Linux machine is a bit of a problem :- "If you’re buying a Desktop or a Laptop expect the following 55% PC Performance 20% TheTechGuys Attachment 50% Norton 360 Attachment 30% Microsoft Office 2007 Attachment" note the latter two, a big part of their business model. No wonder the major UK PC retailer doesn't stock Linux PCs. Source of sales targets, read and weep.... <http://www.bitterwallet.com/dizzying-new-targets-for-dsgi-sales-staff/15792> Phil _______________________________________________ Peterboro mailing list Peterboro@mailman.lug.org.uk https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/peterboro
