Europe issues tips on how to dump Windows

A European Commission initiative has issued guidelines to member governments on how to migrate to open source software, on both servers and desktops. VNUnet reports that the guidelines are designed to support rapid electronic exchange of information between member states` administrations. Tips include information on staff changes, interoperability, security and mobile and remote user support.

The full document and a cost comparison model, which was produced by UK open source consultancy Netproject, can be downloaded here.

The rivalry between Microsoft Windows and Linux comes down to the basic question of whom customers should trust, according to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Yahoo News reports that Ballmer yesterday acknowledged Microsoft turned its focus to matters such as patch management "probably later than we should have", but claimed that Microsoft has made dramatic strides in its Trustworthy Computing efforts, while users can question the quality of Linux security patches." What sets Windows apart from Linux in terms of development, security and patching, Ballmer said, is that Microsoft has an infrastructure that takes responsibility for Windows. "There`s no roadmap for Linux. Nobody is held accountable for security problems with Linux."

AT&T Wireless has begun selling Motorola`s MPx200, the first smart phone based on Microsoft software to be sold in the US.

The MPx200 is also the first Microsoft-based phone to be offered by a major handset maker, which analysts have said may help Microsoft establish its long-sought credibility in the mobile phone market. Microsoft`s entry into the US market comes a year after it introduced the world`s first Windows-powered smartphone in the UK, manufactured by Taiwan`s High Tech Computer. Since then, Microsoft Windows Mobile phones have been introduced in several European and Asian countries, reports PC World.

IBM has backed up Sony Ericsson`s introduction of the P900 smartphone with a set of software offerings, including a virtual private network (VPN) feature and an easier way to set up access to enterprise applications, reports Infoworld.