Network World, 09/15/03
Windows is rusting, like cars did in the Midwest during the 1970s. There's another problem, too: Like cars of that era, Windows is fully loaded with user options. The myriad options make quality assurance a very difficult - if not undoable - undertaking.
Japanese automakers - like the Linux world in the Windows scenario - figured out how to not only use better metal in their cars, but also to limit the possible user options to a customer-pleasing high common denominator. Thinking first, then calmly adding things such as fuel economy gave them an arguable lead in quality and market share that still holds true.
rest of article at Network World