DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO FEAR?
By Josh Tordsen

It has only been a few weeks since I joined the Linspire builder program, but I have spoken to many people who are very interested in switching to Linspire, or at the very least are interested in a second Linspire computer. I have been able to talk with people at length about Linspire and my experiences with it. After talking to one of my regular customers about some of the ridiculous legal entanglements Lindows inc. has had with Microsoft, he asked a rather logical question: "Do you have anything to fear with being an OEM system builder for Microsoft?"

The question took me by surprise. I mean, I signed up to be a Linspire system builder and reseller to offer my customers as many choices as possible and not be limited to Microsoft-only solutions. We have sold and continue to sell Microsoft products side-by-side with Linspire because a Linux-based solution was always a part of our business plan and we have had our eyes on Linspire for several years. Despite all of this, I had no real response to his question. I laughed and replied, "I doubt it."

This question really go me thinking. Then it got me worried. Did I really have to fear what Microsoft will do to me if they found out I was selling a software they are trying very hard to eliminate? After thinking about it long and hard, I had the answer: I don't have anything to worry about!

First off, I am Joe Nobody in Nowhere South Dakota. I am not, nor have I ever been a threat to Microsoft. I can say with reasonable certainty that I did not even make it on their list of threats - and that suits me just fine.

Second, of the 4 or 5 new computers that I sell each month only 1 (or about 20-25%) is a Linspire machine. Sad but true.

Thirdly, the very nature of the Microsoft OEM system builder program (as with other programs as well) is to provide easy access to Windows operating systems and Office to pre-install on systems. Even if I am no longer a system builder, I will still have easy access to Microsoft products to pre-install on the machine with or without the status of OEM Builder.

"But what if selling Linspire is in conflict with some obscure licensing terms?"

I say, "So what if it is?". It is my store and I will sell to my customers what I darn well please. If Microsoft gets huffy about it and decides to pull my OEM System builder status (or worse) the only people they will hurt is themselves. If all I am allowed to sell is Linspire - then so be it.

I encourage everyone who sees this to respond with any questions, comments, concerns, or general observations. While I will try to respond to each post - I will definitely read it.

If you are a Microsoft employee and it ticks you off, deal with it. It is my own personal opinion - mine and mine alone. (In the language of lawyers: This is an individual's personal opinion and does not in any way reflect the opinions of other users on this forum or the opinions of the employees or officers of Lindows inc.)

I post this to encourage other computer store owners (yes, even my competition) to make the step, and pay the money to become a Linspire system builder.

In closing, I will say that I will continue to sell and support Microsoft products (until I am told not to). I do believe that they provide a useful product to at least a segment of the PC market, however, I say the exact same thing about Linspire. Both companies have room for improvement (though not in the same areas) and both will get room in my store on the same shelf.