MS Says Linux 'Stifles Innovation'

According to a Bloomberg report, Microsoft's Jim Allchin said during the WindowsXP announcement that Linux is "an intellectual property destroyer" because of its open source nature. Allchin also said that the result of Linux gaining more ground would be the loss of incentive to research and develop, thus stifling innovation.

Bloomberg quotes Allchin as saying "I'm an American, I believe in the American Way, I worry if the government encourages open source, and I don't think we've done enough education of policy makers to understand the threat."

In closing, Allchin touted "we can build a better product than Linux."

Tell us what you think. Are his statements accurate? Would widespread acceptance of Linux and open source cause the demise of R&D? Would it "stifle innovation"?