Rafe Needleman seems convinced that Lindows PCs will be a commercial success. Unfortunately, he gives few numbers to back his opinion.
First, what is the concept of Lindows PCs? You go to Wal-Mart and you buy a Microtec PC for $299 (soon $199 according to some rumors). Then, you get the Lindows software.
Lindows is a Linux "distribution" (operating system, desktop user interface, and software bundle) by the company of the same name. Lindows isn't Windows, although it can run many Windows applications.
Lindows makes money by charging users $99 a year to connect to its "Click-N-Run" online service, from which they can easily download lots of current applications for no additional charge. There are good applications available, like Sun's StarOffice, although Robertson [who founded MP3.com] admits that the all-important (to certain users, at least) game selection isn't there yet.
Stephen Manes, in an article to appear in Forbes Magazine in the Sep. 2 issue, disagrees. In fact, his story is named "Doesn't Do Windows."
Let's hear what he has to say.
So far, Microsoft doesn't have much to worry about. LindowsOS as delivered can run just six Windows programs: the elderly 2000 versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint -- all of which behaved in unexpected ways, including an outright refusal to print -- and viewers that let you look at files those programs create.
Another fact to consider: Lindows has 39 employees so far. Is this enough to fight the 50,000 Microsofties? Time will tell -- and market will decide.
Sources: Rafe Needleman, Business 2.0, Aug. 22, 2002; Stephen Manes, Forbes Magazine, Sep. 2, 2002 Issue
6:07:33 PM
Permalink
|
|
