---
title: Microsoft strategy
date: "2002-11-15T12:00:00Z"
categories:
  - links
wp_id: 1040
description: I'm critiquing Microsoft's 2002 tactics of forcing upgrades through security pivots and suing open-source rivals. They're spending heavily to beat Linux because users aren't voluntarily moving to newer, paid versions of their software.
keywords: [microsoft, linux, open source, software upgrades, security, litigation]
---

Nice strategy, Microsoft. [Users aren't upgrading](http://www.itworld.com/Comp/2291/IDG020103upgrade/) to your new products. So you decide to [focus on security](http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/DailyNews/microsoft020116.html) and [force upgrades](http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,56381,00.html). And, in the meantime, [sue open-source competitors](http://www.wired.com/news/linux/0,1411,56337,00.html) and [spend lots of money](http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=28059762) [to beat Linux](http://www.internetwk.com/story/INW20020107S0004).