Microsofts only real competitor

This article is a perfect example of how open source is exerting market pressure on Microsoft. Especially in this quote here:

"Ministry of Finance sources told Globes that the decision could be reversed if Microsoft Israel shows willingness to compromise on its pricing policy for tens of thousands of computer stations at government offices."

Programs like OpenOffice are helping to drive Microsofts price down or even supplant microsoft. It is providing people with a bargaining position in negotiations with Microsoft. This is perhaps the greatest strength of OpenSource. It also demonstrates the power of the free market. If any possibility for a competitor to a Monopoly exists then that competitor will come about. Even if it requires a free price tag.