[Cialug] Mandriva - open letter to Steve Ballmer

[Tom Poe]

Dan Sloan wrote:
> -----Original Message-----
> On 11/2/07, Matthew Nuzum wrote:
>   
>> On 11/2/07, Dave J. Hala Jr. <dave at 58ghz.net> wrote:
>>     
>>> I don't really know what Ballmer did. But after reading the Mandriva
>>> "open letter" it would appear that Francios thinks Ballmer did something
>>> unethical. Also remember that ethics are "relative"
>>>       
>
>   
>> You keep saying that, but I don't agree. I'd say that they do change
>> over time, but are set by society. Meaning that, as a business, if you
>> cross the line you'll hurt yourself.
>>     
>
> Matthew is correct.  Ethics are set by the society.  This IS what makes it
> relative. From our perspective, in this society, we may view Mr. Ballmer's
> tactics as unethical. (assuming the worst)
>
> >From the viewpoint of the other nation's society, bribery and/or threats may
> be a normal, *and accepted*, business practice.
>
> Multinational corporations have to deal with this all the time.  If you want
> to play globally, you must play by the local rules, else you don't compete.
> Now if those rules are a clear violation of our Federal laws, it's a
> different story.  
>
> -- Dan 
>
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>   
Personally, I hope Mandriva takes the opportunity to incorporate the 
Nigeria experience into their sales strategy.  Imagine being able to 
approach 150 governments around the world, tell them that they can order 
Mandriva for their schools, and Microsoft will not only pay them back, 
but will give them excellent terms on replacing those computers with 
Windows, plus whatever "kickback" they choose.  Sounds like a winning 
marketing strategy to me.  Of course, it might not be the best business 
model for Microsoft, but a well-deserved one, if you ask me.  :)
Tom