Microsoft's answer to Linux

on CNet

Despite the threat posed by open-source products, Microsoft server software sales have been growing at double-digit rates for several quarters. Meanwhile, revenue from its current cash cows--its Windows desktop and Office products--have been flat or growing in the single digits, analysts noted.

Indeed, a key challenge for Microsoft remains its ability to convince business customers that the total cost of using Windows server and development tools is cheaper than Linux and open-source middleware tools, after the costs of licenses, support and maintenance are figured in, DeMichillie said.