Microsoft’s Ballmer attempts to wean China from Linux

IN THE FACE of growing competition from Linux and Sun in the Chinese market, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer has started a campaign to win the hearts and minds of governments and businesses in China.

In what appears to almost simultaneous decisions, Sun has offered to donate unlimited copies of its office automation software Star Suite 7.0 to Chinese students, and Microsoft will contribute $10 million over five years through “investment, donation and other forms” to promote the adoption of information technology by students from kindergartens to junior high schools.