Get The FUD

Windows has gotten more expensive in terms of TCO, thanks to Licensing 6 and the introduction of a new platform; Linux has gotten cheaper. Next example of how much better Microsoft is, please.

Ah yes, next up is the Microsoft-sponsored study of Server 2003 versus Linux on the mainframe. Although the META Group name is attached to it, its sole role was to verify that the benchmark configurations and procedures were appropriate. META Group was not asked to, nor did they, endorse the results.

Microsoft also notes that although the boys from Redmond, Wash., used Ziff Davis Medias PC Magazine NetBench and WebBench tests, neither Ziff Davis Media nor VeriTest, the people in charge of developing and maintaining the benchmarks, were involved in the testing.

Now I happen to know those benchmarks pretty darn well. Ive used them for numerous projects over the years, and I know that theyre easy to beat. All you need do is control how the server is tuned, and objectivity goes out the window. I can make the same machine with the same operating system mosey along the way I do when Im going to the dentist for a root canal or zoom along as if I were trying to find out just how fast my 91 Toyota MR-2 sports car can go on a straightaway (124 mph by the by).

So in this case, Microsoft doesnt even hire someone to run the benchmarks: Microsoft itself is comparing competing products to its own, and wow, they win! I am so impressed.

Next page: About that Giga report ...