Business Week Online
Microsoft promises that the next version of NT, now dubbed Windows 2000, will be able to handle the biggest chores, but the product is horrendously behind schedule and is unlikely to ship for another year -- allowing Microsoft's competitors to make the most of the delay. For example, Novell, which not many months ago seemed to face doom from the NT juggernaut, has won acclaim for its NetWare 5.0 operating system and is poised to gain share.
In another important part of the server market, a free version of Unix called Linux is moving into corporations to run moderate-size Web sites, databases, and E-mail post offices. According to IDC, Linux and other types of Unix accounted for bit over one-third of the server operating systems sold last year -- while Microsoft's share declined slightly. Linux' zero cost is an obvious attraction, but its reputation for trouble-free operation may be an even bigger plus. Makers of server software such as Oracle and Sybase, and computer makers Dell and Compaq are supporting Linux, and HP plans to bring out Linux-based "server appliances" for Internet service providers. Add it all up, and there's no other conclusion: Microsoft is struggling in the server market.
More of the article:
Message 7729957
... "its reputation for trouble-free operation" MAY be a bigger plus? |
