From an article in LinuxWorld. Here are the excerpted quote from the Microsoft memo, written by Steve Ballmer:

"IBM's endorsement of Linux has added credibility and an illusion of support and accountability, although the reality is there is no 'center of gravity,' or central body, investing in the health and growth of noncommercial software or innovating in critical areas like engineering, manageability, compatibility and security."



"Noncommercial software products in general, and Linux in particular, present a competitive challenge for us and for our entire industry, and they require our concentrated focus and attention."



"In this environment of lean budgets and concerns about Microsoft's attention to customers, noncommercial software such as Linux and OpenOffice is seen as an interesting, 'good enough' or 'free' alternative."



"There is always enthusiasm in our business for new concepts. So-called 'free software' is the latest new thing. We will rise to this challenge, and we will compete in a fair and responsible manner that puts our customers first. We will show that our approach offers better value, better security and better opportunity."



"While the noncommercial model may lead to many flavors of software, getting broad, consistent innovation requires coordination across many technology components. In the event of needed enhancements or fixes, the Linux development community, no matter how well intentioned, simply cannot advance Linux the way we can - and must - innovate in Windows."

The only comment I have about this is that when you read this, it's important to pay special attention to Mr. Ballmer's use of words. Sun Tzu said, "All warfare is based on deception." The main entry for nonommercial is "not engaged in or connected with commercial enterprises." Yet the fact that, as Mr. Ballmer says, IBM is endorsing Linux contradicts his usage of the term.

Let's look at a few other attempts to mold our thinking away from reality. Mr. Ballmer characterizes "Free Software" as "the latest new thing". A quick glance at the history of Free Software will quickly show that it's been around since 1983. Now, Microsoft has been around since 1975, but didn't really take off until the 1980's with the advent of the IBM PC. So this is another misleading characterization.

As far as "broad, consistent innovation" and "needed enhancements or fixes", Mr. Ballmer is conveniently ignoring the fact that Linux runs on many platforms, while Windows runs only on x86 processor architectures; and also that Linux runs many of the world's most powerful clustered supercomputers.

It's increasingly important to take the time to carefully analyze what people are saying and how they are saying it in order to keep your own thinking straight. Language is a powerful weapon.