All your programs are belong to us...

[blufive]

This article alleges that at least one large US software retailer will shortly cease stocking software and hardware that doesn't have Microsoft's seal of approval.

Anyone suspect that MS is going to be leaning on other retailers too, as suggested in the article? Though presumably after the DOJ case, they won't punish retailers who don't co-operate (excuse me for being sceptical).

[Link: slashdot, where you can find the usual rants from the "legitimate business practice, god bless microsoft" and "The Borg of Microsoft will fall before the almighty penguin" factions]

Comments

[sbisson.livejournal.com]

Again, it looks like a triumph of conspiracy theory over reality on Slashdot. The store in question offers first line support to all purchasers, and is attempting to reduce its support costs. The theory that they've espoused is that tested and certified software is likely to be more reliable.

Of course it won't work, as luser error triumphs over testing under all circumstances.

[fridgemagnet.livejournal.com]

Please be aware that Office Depot is immediately requiring all products that connect to a Personal Computer and Notebook Computer must pass these Designed for Windows XP logo requirements to be considered for retail distribution through our stores.

What strikes me there is that Office Depot aren't just saying "only Microsoft can say when something works", but also "we only sell Windows software". Admittedly this isn't that surprising, but it still gets on my tits.

[blufive.livejournal.com]

looks like a triumph of conspiracy theory over reality on Slashdot

Hey, it's Slashdot. :)

luser error triumphs over testing under all circumstances

Yep, aided and abetted by cruddy user interfaces.

[blufive.livejournal.com]

Well, apparently, Red Hat 9 will be available there, so either RH got Microsoft approval¹ or the left hand hasn't told the right hand what it's doing. Or something.

¹Hmmm. Unlikely, I think.

Re:

[fridgemagnet.livejournal.com]

Unless it's part of a new initiative to get rid of all non-MS products in their stores... pass the tinfoil hat.