One more thought about Microsoft

Check out this article about NASA's decision to use Linux to power it's new, 10,240 computer cluster.

In the middle of reading it, I came to the conclusion that decisions like that are signs that the computer industry has reached the tipping point where it's becoming obvious that Microsoft is no longer the obvious first-choice "go to" company for innovative computer solutions. And that Linux is.

Want to build an innovative computing solution that requires custom software? It's taking Microsoft long enough to get their standard software working properly, so they're certainly not going to be able to do it in a timely manner. Want to do something innovative that requires a hell of a lot of software, and you don't have a massive budget to accomodate Microsoft's draconian pricing and licensing structure? Linux is available, open, and free.

Microsoft has been slowly drifting away from top-of-mind for the people who need innovative, inexpensive software. Events like NASA's supercomputer illustrate that the rate of the drift is quickening.

I predict- and hope- that some day soon, these facts will apply to users of typical personal computers as well as those looking to build massive supercomputers.