Is Microsoft Sabotaging OpenGL to Gain a Business Advantage?

  • Thread starter dduardo
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In summary, Windows Vista will require Directx translation of opengl calls for aero composite engine, resulting in a 50% performance reduction. However, opengl can still be used without aero enabled at full speed, but without window effects. Some users may consider switching to Linux in response to this change. Microsoft's push towards Directx may also have an impact on professional 3d and disrupt Linux and Apple.
  • #1
dduardo
Staff Emeritus
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Windows Vista will require Directx translation of opengl calls in order to use the aero composite engine. The cost of the translation is a 50% performance reduction. You can still run opengl without aero enabled at full speed but you won't get the drop shadows, transparencies, and other window effects.

http://www.opengl.org/
 
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  • #2
wow, hmmm maybe its time for me to install linux and just work a linux box.
 
  • #3
yeah, sounds like more 'high end' stuff (or the little that is still done under win) to flow to other OSs if this joke goes through.
 
  • #4
neurocomp2003 said:
wow, hmmm maybe its time for me to install linux and just work a linux box.

So you can play all the games released for linux?
 
  • #5
  • #6
Microsoft has been after OpenGL for years - OpenGL's pie is the reason DirectX exists in the first place. DirectX has slowly taken over gaming, but it hasn't made much of a dent into professional 3d. I'm anxious to see what this will do to the professional 3d situation.
 
  • #7
If microsoft can force programmers to exclusively use Directx, then they are not only disrupting opengl, but Linux and Apple as well. They are basically killing two birds with one stone. Purely from a business standpoint this is a good strategy.
 

1. What evidence is there that Microsoft is intentionally sabotaging OpenGL?

There have been several incidents where Microsoft has been accused of deliberately hindering the performance of OpenGL. One example is their decision to exclude support for OpenGL in their Windows 10 operating system, forcing users to use their proprietary graphics API, DirectX. There have also been reports of Microsoft intentionally introducing bugs in OpenGL drivers, making it difficult for developers to use the API.

2. Why would Microsoft sabotage a widely used graphics API like OpenGL?

There are a few possible reasons for this. One is that Microsoft wants to promote their own graphics API, DirectX, which is only available on Windows. By making it difficult to use OpenGL on their operating system, they can push developers towards using DirectX instead. Another reason could be to maintain their dominance in the gaming industry, as DirectX is the preferred API for many popular games.

3. How does Microsoft's actions affect developers and users?

For developers, Microsoft's actions make it more difficult to use OpenGL and could potentially limit their ability to create cross-platform applications. This can also lead to additional development costs and delays. For users, it means they may be limited in their choice of graphics API, as some applications may only be available on certain operating systems due to the lack of OpenGL support on Windows.

4. Is there any legal action being taken against Microsoft for their alleged sabotage of OpenGL?

There have been several lawsuits filed against Microsoft for their actions, but none have been successful so far. In 2002, a group of game developers filed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, accusing them of monopolizing the graphics market by limiting support for OpenGL. However, the case was eventually dismissed due to lack of evidence.

5. What steps can be taken to address the issue of Microsoft sabotaging OpenGL?

One possible solution is for developers to continue using OpenGL and push for better support from Microsoft. Another option is for regulatory bodies to investigate the issue and enforce fair competition in the graphics market. Some developers have also advocated for the development of a new open-source graphics API that is not controlled by a single company, providing more options for developers and users.

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