Microsoft: Open source threatens our business model

IDG News Service - Microsoft Corp. has confirmed that it sees the open-source software movement as a threat to its commercial business model in a quarterly report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The statement, appearing for the second quarter running, amplifies comments by Microsoft Chief Financial Officer John Connors recently about the threat of Linux to Microsoft's server business.
"The popularization of the open-source movement continues to pose a significant challenge to the company's business model," Microsoft wrote in its filing. "[This is] including recent efforts by proponents of the open-source model to convince governments worldwide to mandate the use of open-source software in their purchase and deployment of software products."
Microsoft said it may have to reduce the prices it charges for its products, with a consequent decline in revenue and operating margins, if the open-source movement continues to gain market acceptance.
In the SEC filing, Microsoft contrasted its commercial software development (CSD) model with the open-source movement. The financial investment in software inherent in the CSD model benefits end users, according to Microsoft.
"The company believes that the CSD model has had substantial benefits for users of software, allowing them to rely on the expertise of the company and other software developers that have powerful incentives to develop innovative software that is useful, reliable and compatible with other software and hardware," Microsoft said.
If Microsoft is to vanquish this threat and overcome challenges posed by a weak global economy, it will have to offer users compelling reasons to buy its software, the company said.
"The company's revenues would be unfavorably impacted if customers reduce their purchases of new software products or upgrades to existing products because new product offerings are not perceived as adding significant new functionality or other value to prospective purchasers," Microsoft wrote.