Backing the IBM PC platform is fundamental to MS's success.
The IBM PC used off the shelf components which meant anyone could build one and they did in large numbers.
People built IBM clones because they could, no licences, no royalties, no contracts, etc, etc. It was open to opportunity, anyone could join in.
Off the shelf components could be described as Open Source Hardware - I think my comparison is obvious enough to leave it at that.
What happened before can happen again and indeed is.
Additionally as OSS isn't owned by anyone MS cannot remove the competitor in the usual business way.
Blanket propaganda against OSS by MS seems to just make people curious about what OSS (Or Linux) is.
zooloo
