IP: Microsoft and so called independent analysts

[David Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

[ and a comment from a senior reporter who said "off the record" off 
the record" --  "corporate silent funding of analysts is SOP...it's 
why I distrust them all." djf ]

> Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 12:38:46 -0700
> From: "Robert J. Berger" <rberger () ibd com>
>
>
> I've noticed that the Gartner Group has gotten violently anti-Linux 
> while at the same time increasing its praise of Microsoft. I was 
> wondering if Gartner had gotten a recent cash infusion from 
> Microsoft when I stumbled across an article showing how Gartner and 
> Microsoft are using each others sites to justify their "independent" 
> assessment of the "superiority" of Microsoft software over Open 
> Source. (http://www.egroups.com/group/svlug/21219.html) This article 
> is a reflextion on Microsoft's publishing a site on "Linux Myths"
>
> I also wonder about the literally 1000's of PR people that are 
> assigned to specific reporters to make sure they get "the right 
> information" on any articles that deal with issues of interest of 
> Microsoft.
>
> I know its a naieve questions, but are there any ethics in the press 
> and analyst industry left? It seems that Microsoft has broken 
> through the "Chinese Wall" of editorial/advertising and they have a 
> clear history of trying to manipulate public perception via the 
> press and analysts.
>
> There really should be a requirement that any press or analyst 
> should have to disclose help or payment from a vendor in the 
> preparation of an article or financial support for their 
> organization.
>
> --
> Robert J. Berger - Internet Bandwidth Development
> 14510 Big Basin Way #253  Saratoga, CA 95070
> Voice: 408-882-4755 Fax: 408-490-2868
> Email: rberger () ibd com http://www.ibd.com