When you see the word ‘aggressive’ used expect nothing to happen is the general rule.

“Frankly, customers don’t buy operating systems. They buy applications. Red Hat and Novell know this, and they are engaged in a race to recruit more and more ISVs (independent software vendors).”

Ahhhhh, if only it were that simple. The quality of the OS, and the tools available, dictate the quality and depth of applications you will ultimately get. ISVs are also only truly interested in platforms where this process is pain-free and where the usage and size of any potential market makes it worthwhile. Trying to sign up ISVs ‘aggressively’ without paying attention to this is putting the cart before the horse. Even if you do get the horse before the cart, it’s not going to pull if it doesn’t like it.

“Selling file and print servers is old news.”

Microsoft makes an awful lot out of it, and as a seller of an OS with an interest in its future it is an area where increased competition and encroachment is bad news for Red Hat whatever they do with JBoss. File and print servers have an awful habit of being used for other things if it’s on offer. Ignoring this is bad news long-term for Red Hat.