By SteveJack
Looks like Microsoft’s biggest “partners” are getting more than a wee bit antsy:
Dell to Expand Linux Factory Installed Options
Since launching Dell IdeaStorm a little more than a month ago, one idea has risen to and stayed at the top: better support for Linux. We have heard you and appreciate the direct feedback. On March 13, we responded by launching a Linux survey asking for your feedback on what you need for a better Linux experience. Thank you to the more than 100,000 people who took the survey. Here are some of the highlights from the survey:
• More than 70% of survey respondents said they would use a Dell system with a Linux operating system for both home and office use.
• Survey respondents indicated they want a selection of notebook and desktop offerings.
• Majority of survey respondents said that existing community-based support forums would meet their technical support needs for a tested and validated Linux operating system on a Dell system.
• Survey respondents indicated that improved hardware support for Linux is as important as the distribution(s) offered.
Dell has heard you and we will expand our Linux support beyond our existing servers and Precision workstation line. Our first step in this effort is offering Linux pre-installed on select desktop and notebook systems. We will provide an update in the coming weeks that includes detailed information on which systems we will offer, our testing and certification efforts, and the Linux distribution(s) that will be available. The countdown begins today.
Source: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/ideastorm/ideasinaction
HP Drops Digital Entertainment Center, its Flagship Media Center Line
HP is pulling out of the Digital Entertainment Center (DEC) business. The company that pioneered the living-room form factor for Media Center Edition (MCE) PCs has decided to drop the line.
The company instead will focus its energy on MediaSmart, the new brand of TVs with digital media adapters built in — not Microsoft Media Center Extenders that link Media Centers with remote TVs, but HP’s own solution for distributing photos, music, video and other content (including Web-based) to the TV.
Source: http://www.cepro.com/news/editorial/18066.html
I wonder if Microsoft will drop the hammer on these uppity “partners” to get them back in line or is Microsoft even capable of such a thing anymore due to heightened government scrutiny? Are we seeing the sparks that will set Rome ablaze? I expect Steve Ballmer to break out the fiddle any day now.
SteveJack is a long-time Macintosh user, web designer, multimedia producer and a regular contributor to the MacDailyNews Opinion section.