James, re: 1) Justice Dept, 2) Sun's workgroup servers
With regard to the latest Justice Department investigation (per link below): right now they are in data-collection mode, so little is likely to occur for some time. Since they are investigating things which are readily defensible, and which in any event Microsoft could easily compromise on without much impact on its plans, I also can't see this as being fundamentally significant. As far as market is concerned, each time Janet does her thing the reaction time and impact seems to lessen.
biz.yahoo.com
With regard to Sun's workgroup server offerings (see link below): this move is consistent with Sun's attempt to retain as large an amount of Unix server market revenues/earnings as possible for as long as possible. These lower-end servers will be attractive primarily to existing higher-end Unix server users, both Sun's and its competitors, thus potentially increasing Sun's share of the Unix market (as its competitors move more heavily to NT). It also will help prevent Sun's customers from defecting to NT, or at least reduce the rate of defection. Sun's basic problem is that Wintel NT servers/desktops are becoming a tidal wave, which will marginalize Unix inter alia long-term, for very many reasons. These reasons remain regardless of this action. Sun still stands (though virtually alone) in its diehard Unix defense - but so did all the other Unix vendors before they tied their futures to NT.
biz.yahoo.com
IMHO - and thanks for the kind words.
Best regards,
Arno
[P.S. Judging by the fact that MSFT stock is up this moring, I guess the market is not too worried. < g > ] |
