Discussion Ask HN: what does Microsoft sell that you can't get for free? Today I installed ubuntu and have been blown away by it. It actually is easy to use and works very well.I'm looking at microsoft's product line and there are mature free alternatives to most stuff:Windows - LinuxOffice - open office, google docsExchange - gmailI'd be worried if I was Microsoft. And I know their profit is driven by enterprise, but today's startups are tomorrow's enterprise customers. 27 points AlexMuir 16 years ago 116 comments
I'm looking at microsoft's product line and there are mature free alternatives to most stuff:
Windows - Linux
Office - open office, google docs
Exchange - gmail
I'd be worried if I was Microsoft. And I know their profit is driven by enterprise, but today's startups are tomorrow's enterprise customers.