[plug] Telstra get friendlier with Bill's boy's...

[Craig Ringer]

Senectus . wrote:
> Looks like they used the "Linux threat" to get some "discounts" from Microsoft.
> http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,10255954%5E15306%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html
> 
> I'm a fool for ever thinking Telstra might change its stripes...

I don't doubt that they will use Linux on some servers and perhaps call 
centre terminals - that's what they were testing with, and it does make 
sense. I wouldn't be surprised if talk of using OpenOffice is genuine, too.

Nonetheless, part of the motivation for all this will be to be able to 
remind MS that they are willing to jump ship (or try) if MS gets too 
pushy. They probably also want to force MS into selling parts of Office 
at attractive prices instead of forcing Telstra to buy the whole bundle, 
for example.

Frankly, if I was in their position I'd probably be doing the same 
thing. I'd be using things like Linux and OO.o where appropriate, and 
talking loudly about using them where I didn't think they'd be suitable 
in the hopes of forcing discounts and better deals from my other suppliers.

--
Craig Ringer