Summary of a survey by First Market Research of Austin, Texas of 200 Network World readers:
Objective
The primary objective of this study is to assess Network World subscribers' reaction to Microsoft's role in the network-related standard setting process.
Methodology and Sampling
In order to gauge how different subscribers might react to Microsoft's role, 200 subscribers were surveyed.
The respondents work in the following types of environments.
Computer systems:
(%=Reporting at least one of these devices at their site):
Mainframes/Minicomputers=69%
PC Servers=98%
Desktops=98%
Operating systems:
Mixed=57%
Microsoft only=43%
Large size organizations=34%
Medium size organizations=34%
Small size organizations=32%
Top Line Findings
Most subscribers have standardized on Microsoft specifications.
All respondents surveyed use at least one of Microsoft's operating systems. Most respondents have standardized on the following 3 Microsoft specifications:
MAPI =24%
OLE=25.5%
ODBC=41.5%
Respondents reaction to Microsoft's degree of control in setting network standards
On a marginal level of respondents agree with the statement that, "Microsoft has too much control in setting network related standards". 43.5% of respondents somewhat or strongly agree with this statement (4 or 5 on a 5 point scale), 27% are neutral (3) and 29.5% disagree with the statement (1 or 2) [Mean score 3.21].
53% of respondents from large organizations somewhat or strongly agree with this statement [Mean score 3.55].
Even among those that have only Microsoft operating systems at their sites there is agreement with the statement.
Nevertheless, respondents are divided as to whether this level of control worries them. 40% of respondents somewhat or strongly agree with this statement (4 or 5 on a 5 point scale), 18% are neutral (3) and 42% disagree with the statement (1 or 2) [Mean score 3.02].
However, 46.9% of respondents from large organizations somewhat or strongly agree with this statement (4 or 5 on a 5 point scale)[Mean score 3.24]
Microsoft's relationship with standards setting bodies, competitors and its own customers
The majority of respondents (68%) feel that maintaining two sets of standards is a major problem.
A slight majority of respondents agree Microsoft works closely with independent standards setting bodies to develop cross-platform specifications [Mean score 3.09].
Respondents from large organizations do not agree [Mean score 2.78].
Respondents on the whole do not feel Microsoft works closely with customers or other vendors to develop standards specifications .
A slight majority of respondents feel it does not benefit them when Microsoft sets its own standards [Mean score 2.86], but respondents from small organizations believe it does benefit them [Mean score 3.25]..
Microsoft's power to establish standards and its impact on customers and competitors
The majority of respondents agree with the statement, "Microsoft uses its power to establish standards to gain an unfair advantage over the competition". 55% of respondents somewhat or strongly agree with this statement (4 or 5 on a 5 point scale), 19.5% are neutral (3) and 25% disagree with the statement (1 or 2). [Mean score 3.48]
69% of respondents from large size organizations somewhat or strongly agree with this statement. [Mean score 3.86]
Furthermore, a majority feel that Microsoft's standard setting power is a problem for customers and end users and 85% of all respondents and 91% of respondents from large size organizations feel that Microsoft's standards specifications favor Windows over other platforms.
Customers prefer to buy Microsoft products because they support Microsoft standards
54% of all respondents and 57% of respondents who have a mix of Microsoft and other types of operating systems agree they prefer to buy Microsoft Products because they support Microsoft standards.
Conclusion
Respondents to this study tend to believe that Microsoft has too much control over setting network-related standards. Respondents from larger organizations believe this more strongly than those from other types of organizations.
Respondents on the whole also believe that Microsoft's control in this area has allowed them to take unfair advantage of competitors. Nevertheless, respondents are divided as to whether these developments are worrisome. Those respondents from large organizations are more worried about this than others.
Respondents continue to buy Microsoft products because they support Microsoft standards.
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