Seattle Times: Microsoft to modify its image. “We understand, based upon the fact that our industry didn’t rally to support us, that we need to change the way we interact and relate to our industry,” Ballmer said.
So Ballmer, who still insists the company has never done anything wrong, wants to temper Microsoft’s no-prisoners reputation. If Microsoft wants to modify its image, it should modify its behavior. Do not hold your breath.
In the shareholder meeting (transcript from Microsoft Web site), Bill Gates claimed credit for the rise of the open-source movement. “Really, the reason you see open source there at all is because we came in and said there should be a platform that’s identical with millions and millions of machines,” said the man who rewrites history when it suits him.
Free software predated Microsoft, of course. But let’s give Microsoft its due and agree — even though you should give Intel at least as much credit for the platform’s existence — that software development got a boost from the commodity platform.
Open source and free software are gaining strength, however, largely because Microsoft has been such a dictatorial and brutal steward of the platform. People are desperate for an alternative.