Re: Poll finds user discontent with Windows

[Sujal Shah <sujal@worldnet.att.net>]

John Verity wrote:
> 
> >A survey shows 58% (plus or minus *ten* points--ouch) of people at Giga
> >Information Group's Emerging Technology Scene conference would switch away
> >from Windows "if they had the chance."  Giga' Rob Enderle says
> 
> SO, WHAT IN HELL IS STOPPING THEM FROM BUYING, SAY, AN APPLE MACINTOSH,
> OR A UNIX MACHINE, OR WHATEVER???

This is at the heart of the problem, after all, isn't it?

Having a chance isn't just being able to physically purchase an
alternative, but also being able to do the same things on the
alternative as you could with Windows.  It's the lack of software that
keeps people from purchasing alternatives in the business world (and
before anyone tees off about office applications and the like, there are
still problems finding ERP applications, and robust messaging
applications like Notes).

Also, pricewise, Apples still cost more than a PC.  Also, most Intel
arch operating systems, since they don't make the bulk sales that
Microsoft can, cost a significant amount compared to the cost of the
hardware.  For a business, until recently, it has been difficult to
replace Windows effectively without losing capability or incurring
higher costs.

Even today, the lack of ERP apps and a Notes/Exchange style app for
alterna platforms will make switching seem very unreasonable for
businesses.  For home use, the inability to go into Best Buy or directly
to Dell for a non-windows PC will make using a Windows PC the most
likely and obvious choice.

This is changing, mind you.  Linux is getting most of the applications I
mentioned above, but things won't really improve until the Mac and other
alterna-OS's get the same level of application support.  We don't need
another king, but the institution of a ruling council in the OS
marketplace, hopefully one with disparate characteristics, such as the
MacOS/Rhapsody, Be, Linux, Windows, and OS/2.

Sujal

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>   John W. Verity   140 Eighth Ave. Apt. 5R   Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215-1728
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