[LUAU] RadioShack loses millions of dollars and chose Windows over Linux

[Julian Yap]

I was checking out some articles on the web today when I noticed a
Microsoft sponsored case study on Linux Today[1].

It caught my eye because it read: RadioShack Saves Millions of Dollars
by Choosing Windows Over Linux[2]

Now, I'm of the opinion that it's not a good idea to choose such a
locked-in vendor specific solution. It basically means you're at the
mercy of the one company. But then again, Microsoft and RadioShack have
been partnering up since at least November 1999[3].

I also read in the newspaper today that RadioShack didn't do too well
4th quarter 2005 and is planning on closing between 400 to 700 of it's
company owned stores and 2 distribution centers in the next 18 months.
Fourth-quarter earnings fell to $49.5 million from $130.9 million a year
ago[4].

This just to hand. Any perceived savings of "millions of dollars by
choosing Windows over Linux" have just been offset by losing millions of
dollars in 4th quarter 2005.

- Julian

LINKS:
1.
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2624/588/1600/radioshack_down_drain.png
2.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/facts/casestudies/CaseStudy.aspx?CaseStudyID=17131
3. http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1999/Nov99/RadioShackPR.mspx
4.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060218/BUSINESS08/602180319/1079/BUSINESS