Microsoft already duped the software consumers into buying into fully proprietary software. Given the prevalent time horizon of average IT manager's thinking I fully expect Microsoft to get that stuff deployed before the poor saps start realizing they're being ripped. After that Microsoft will leverage their market power to exclude any competition. Exactly like they did it before on numerous occasions. Their PR budget is bigger than GDP of some nations. They're ruthless and show remarkable lack of respect to the notions of fairness or common good. Be afraid. --vadim On Sun, 11 Aug 2002, David Schwartz wrote:
Microsoft can have whatever vision of the future they want and can use any resources at their disposal to bring their vision to light. Everybody has that right. If I don't like it, I won't buy it. If they convince customers that they gain more than they lose, only a gun will make them buy it. I don't see Bill Gates packing heat any time soon.
*yawn*
-- David Schwartz <davids@webmaster.com>