Vendor-sponsored surveys are easily dismissed as self-serving, but that doesn’t always mean that they paint in inaccurate picture: Take, for example, this morning’s press release from Microsoft and Novell contending that upwards of 90 percent of “technology decision makers” responding to a poll the two commissioned approve in general of the companies’ Windows/SUSE Linux dalliance.
And why not? Zealots may vent their displeasure — both the hardcore Microsoft haters and the fundamentalist Linux congregation — but the vast middle of the IT profession has always encouraged vendor cooperation.
You might even call it “bipartisan computing,” as the companies have done on billboards around here and in the San Francisco/San Jose area.)
From this morning’s press release (where you can find specific questions and poll numbers):
“Microsoft and Novell entered into this agreement to make it easier for customers to deploy Windows Server and Linux together,” said Susan Heystee, vice president of Global Strategic Alliances at Novell. “The results of this independent research show the majority of approval numbers over 80 and 90 percent. These high numbers don’t surprise me because they match the very positive reception that we’ve gotten from customers. This survey supports our belief when we entered the agreement with Microsoft: Collaboration on behalf of the customer is a winning proposition for all parties involved.”
Marketing babble, to be sure. And only the long run will show whether this deal truly benefits customers — or merely advances Microsoft’s march toward world domination.
In either event, these types of polls are always going to tip heavily in favor of coopitition.
Welcome Farkers, regulars and assorted passersby. If you have the time and interest, here are a few other Buzzblog items that involve Microsoft:
The Microsoft-Novell affair: In your face (on a billboard).
‘Gates for President’ bandwagon picks up, uh, something.
‘Gates for President’ Bandwagon Watch: Day 2
‘Gates for President:’ Stocking-stuffer edition.
Photo editors at the Washington Post must really dislike Steve Ballmer.
Gates Foundation has a problem.
OK, the interviews were fake but he has met Gates and Oprah.
And, our original coverage of the Microsoft-Novell deal.
