Microsoft is doing everything in their power to thwart desktop Linux. But Intel — the other half of the 'Wintel' dynasty — is going through a major internal struggle about how strongly to back desktop Linux. Engineers within Intel are active contributors to Linux development. But when it comes to packaging and announcing Linux products, strong resistance from marketing emerges.
Examples: Our salespeople at Intel customer events consistently get besieged by Intel customers asking why Lindows.com isn't exhibiting — but Intel marketing blocked our participation. At the Desktop Linux Summit, Intel engineers were slated to speak but Intel marketing blocked them at the last moment citing 'branding restrictions.'
Most worrisome is Intel's lack of Linux support for their new Centrino chipset. Intel says $300 million will go into advertising Centrino, but they're not making the small investment to provide Linux drivers. When you see 'Centrino,' substitute 'Windows XP.'
Michael Robertson, Lindows.com
