SAN MATEO (02/07/2000) - Will Corel bring Linux to more desktops?
(These edited excerpts from our Web site's forums provide a sample of the lively debate that takes place there. For the full discussions, go to www.infoworld.com and click on the forums button.)Will Corel's GraphOn strategy be a success?
"While running [Microsoft] Windows applications on GNU/Linux may help users' transitions, the appearance of [Corel's] GraphOn [technology] does not change the situation much. Similar technologies already exist, such as VMware, Wine, VNC [Virtual Network Computing], etc."
"It could help, but if you're a heavy Windows user, I wonder how well it works.
I wonder how well AutoCAD Inventor would work under it. It's still important to have more Linux productivity applications. But these various technologies (including Tarantalla, VNC, etc.) certainly won't hurt the spread of Linux."
"This is similar to what IBM wanted to do with OS/2: Build a better platform, provide a legacy emulation option, and people will supposedly move their current applications over to the new, improved platform; standardize on the new platform; and finally decide to use new applications written for the new platform. This strategy did not work for IBM, and it will not work for Linux.
The key to Linux success will be to have developers write superior applications that run only on Linux. I know this is not the Linux mentality, but it is the way to build a strong OS franchise."
What should government's technology role be?
"The government does not need to advocate technology. It is in the best interest of industry to push itself, and it is doing so. Ensuring privacy is a joke. If we passed restrictive legislation, the existing snoops would probably get 'grandfather' status. And any money-making concern that can afford a politician or two can get around laws."
"Government could further remove restrictions on encryption. We have taken a partial step in the right direction recently but need to take the full step."
Is Sun on the path to freedom with Solaris 8?
"The [Sun Solaris 8]source code isn't nearly as 'free' as software under General Public License. It's not trying to be. It's aimed at (paid) developers.
Sun [Microsystems] has always been selling to businesses, not consumers, so this isn't surprising. I think it's worth pointing out that Sun has never been particularly anal about access to the source code -- if you're at university, the source has been available for quite some time, though not for commercial development. If you're an important customer, you could probably get access, too.
"In some ways, the source-code access for Solaris 8 isn't that far removed from what was previously available. The big difference now is that anybody who is interested will be able to get the source and with little trouble."