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eWEEK: Linux, which you have described as your greatest competitive
threat, is also pushing into the
embedded space. What exactly is the nature of the Linux threat to
Microsoft and what is your strategy
to deal with it?

BALLMER: The Linux approach has led to an environment from which we can
all learn, as it's a great
way to do developer support. While Windows maintains its pre-eminent
position in terms of developer
support and interest, there is something about the way the Linux
community supports itself that every
platform provider should study if it wants to provide broad community.
The Linux community support
model has resonated with people.

I think the other thing the Linux community has done well is the support
of unusual devices, smart
devices, embedded devices, and that's why you see us making the
investments we are in support and
around the embedded community. The fact of the matter is that if the
embedded community only needs
a simple program loader and memory manager, we don't have a shot, as
Linux has got the right price
and terms.

http://www.zdnet.com/eweek/stories/general/0,11011,2683068,00.html


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