BEIJING, Nov. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Microsoft has been forced to fight for its lucrative Asian market, following government agreements to switch to other open-source software. Singapore, China, Japan and South Korea have also agreed to develop other applications, reported CCTV.com Sunday.

    On hearing the news that some Asian governments favor Linux's open-code software, which is free on the Internet and easily modified by users, Chief Executive of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer was forced to defend his software and extolled it's advantages.

    CEO of Microsoft Steve Ballmer said, "The market in general agrees that Windows offers more applications, better hardware support, greater total value and lower total cost of ownership than Linux or other alternatives."

    Ballmer also said Microsoft is always trying to convey the idea that the cost of software is 90 percent in using it, not in acquiring it. He said Microsoft is better equipped for future development than Linux.

    Earlier this year, analysts warned potential patent violations against Linux could expose users to unexpected claims that might result in lawsuits. Enditem

    (CCTV.com)