Summary: Microsoft shoots its own cash cow and thus promotes exploration with GNU/Linux

A few days ago The Register wrote about the latest blunder in Microsoft's volume licensing site [1, 2]. It is almost as though Microsoft does not want people to buy its products anymore. Here is an update on the subject (also from The Register):

Microsoft has admitted that its refurbished but hamstrung volume licensing website is still limping along for some customers and partners, who are yet to gain full access to the portal, or worse are logging in and being served the wrong details.

The company told The Register today that it was still struggling to provide some users with access to its Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) months after it relaunched the system.

Yes, Microsoft is driving away people who are willing and determined to make large purchases. Likewise, as we have shown in recent days, Microsoft suspends many Windows machines using bad patches [1, 2] and maybe incorporates a new kill switch. Some people theorise that Microsoft does this deliberately in order to pressure Windows XP users to buy Vista 7. Pogson puts it differently by arguing that "Microsoft Wants You To Use GNU/Linux". It would make no sense for Microsoft to deliberately break Windows given the effect it would have on the company's already-injured reputation, let alone the fact that people are able to move to another operating system. ⬆