MS is dead that in that it doesn't need to be feared anymore, yes. Nowadays, when MS peceives a startup to be a threat, they rather them acquire them than out-c

MS is dead that in that it doesn't need to be feared anymore, yes. Nowadays, when MS peceives a startup to be a threat, they rather them acquire them than out-compete them; it's cheaper. Also, I can see Microsoft changing already. .Net Framework v3.0 is actually impressive (which follows tradition: MS always needs three tries to deliver something that is any good). They're definitely catering to the web now with WPF+WPF/E+XML+Atlas+Expression tools, etc.; these are acually great tools (even if rough around the edges) and they can exist and be used alongside all the open source and standards stuff (yes, WPF/E runs on say Firefox on Linux as well); there is no conflict anymore. So, take your average Windows developer/ISV: they know Windows stuff and now they get a bunch of extra tools to help them develop for the web. Why on earth would they switch to Linux or Apple development? By staying with Windows they can slowly migrate their apps and their customers to the web without disrupting anything. And MS has both the resources and the patience to go the distance with this. MS Dead? Nah, don't see it happening. MS no longer to be feared? Sure, but, uh, in what way does that matter, except to incumbent startups?