Martin Pool's blog

HP to Introduce Linux-Based PCs in Asia

http://apnews.myway.com//article/20040316/D81BJEVO0.html

TOKYO (AP) - With an Asia rollout announced Tuesday, Hewlett-Packard Co. becomes the first major PC maker to offer desktop computer lines running the open-source Linux operating system.

The move by HP, the world's largest PC maker, with about 17 percent market share, could be a threat to Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), maker of the market-dominating Windows operating system.

Linux is posed to become an especially strong competitor to Windows in Asia.

Japanese, South Korean and Chinese officials have expressed concerns about becoming too dependent on Windows - especially in the government sector - and are exploring alternatives.

HP said its Linux PCs would be targeted at "emerging markets, where Windows PCs are not used so widely."

[...]

Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft has other problems in Asia, including an investigation by Japan's fair trade watchdog on suspicion of monopoly law violations.

Agents from the trade commission raided Microsoft's Japanese offices Feb. 26, looking for evidence that the company attached improperly restrictive conditions on its software deals with computer makers.

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