Interesting news...

[Craig White]

** Microsoft Trolls For Informants

Microsoft is coming under fire for a new program that promises 
prizes to computer-system builders who report customers ordering 
PCs without a pre-installed operating system.

Microsoft unveiled the program in an E-mail apparently sent last 
week to system builders on the West Coast. The E-mail explains 
that the program is meant to insure compliance with 
software-licensing agreements. "Many organizations that are 
sending out bids believe that because they have enrolled in a 
Microsoft volume-license program... that operating systems for 
newly-acquired PCs are automatically enrolled," it reads. "There 
is no volume-licensing program at Microsoft that covers operating 
systems for new PCs."

As such, Microsoft asks that the builders turn over suspect bids 
to them. If the bids are found to be due to a site-license 
violation, informants will earn one point for each PC specified 
on the bid. The points can then be redeemed for prizes--five 
Microsoft game titles for 250 points; a Fossil "Big Tic" watch 
for 500; and a "Fast Cook & Grill Combo and Travel Chair" for 
1,000.

Critics of Microsoft fear that the program will be used to track 
down or intimidate users of operating systems like Linux, who 
might order the machines "naked" in order to install the software 
themselves. "I think an argument exists that gathering 
information to [potentially] request an audit on businesses that 
choose not to buy Windows creates a chilling effect," wrote one 
poster on open-source advocacy site Slashdot.org.

"I think it's pretty sleazy," says Andrew Grygus, owner of 
Automation Access, a systems integrator for small businesses. 
Grygus, who received the E-mail last Wednesday, says "Microsoft 
doesn't seem to have a lot of respect for people. He adds that 
Microsoft is being "heavy handed" in its efforts to enforce 
licenses, but he doesn't think the company is actually hunting 
Linux users. "I'm sure they'll be happy to get those names, 
though." Grygus says he won't participate in the program. "I have 
no inclination to turn in my customers."

Representatives of Microsoft were unavailable for comment. 
- David M. Ewalt

For related stories, read:
IT Managers Are More Open Minded
http://update.informationweek.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eDaD0BcwYR0V20NSw0Ap

Linux Comes Alive
http://update.informationweek.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eDaD0BcwYR0V20NSx0Aq

Ramping Up The Linux Learning Curve
http://update.informationweek.com/cgi-bin4/flo?y=eDaD0BcwYR0V20NSy0Ar



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