MSFT loves to dish out the FUD. In fact, some people have said that FUD is MSFT's main product, although I'd include that they make a nice mouse. In it's continuing efforts to be kings of FUD and beat back the Linux & open source threat, MSFT has been engaging in a PR campaign known as "Get The Facts". Feel free to go check it out. It's pretty much what you'd expect.

Add on to that Steve Ballmer's recent memo to customers in which he asserted that "it's pretty clear that the facts show that Windows provides a lower total cost of ownership than Linux; the number of security vulnerabilities is lower on Windows, and Windows responsiveness on security is better than Linux; and Microsoft provides uncapped IP indemnification of their products, while no such comprehensive offering is available for Linux or open source." Gad, it's difficult even believing that anyone takes this stuff seriously, but obviously many do.

Novell, the company that owns SUSE and Ximian, has decided to take the bull by the horns (or by another part of its body) and is now vigorously responding to MSFT's so-called "facts" at it's own special web site. Go take a look - there's some really good info there. Let's just hope the Novell keeps leading the charge, & refuses to back down in the face of egregious FUD. (Slashdot has discussed the story as well)

PS: For more on Novell, see Linux Magazine's excellent story on "The Reinvention of Novell", including an interview with CEO Jack Messman. (Alert: I write for Linux Magazine.)

PPS: For an excellent piece that really kicks Ballmer's ass on the indemnification that he claims to offer, see Groklaw's "Ballmer's Email - Indemnification Comes Full Circle". Ouch! Best line: "I'd ask Microsoft for indemnification for viruses and malware. No? They don't offer that? Zounds."