3 ms·

Let’s stop idolizing or demonizing any big companies. Basically they are all the same. They may look friendly or hostile from time to time. But in the end they

Let’s stop idolizing or demonizing any big companies. Basically they are all the same. They may look friendly or hostile from time to time. But in the end they are not your friend and should be viewed with skepticism because of the power they gain through their size and wealth. They can cut the little guy off whenever they feel like it and can trample on people when they want to. I think we would be better off if we had more smaller companies but I guess capitalism lends itself to power concentration.

rectang 7y ago
I couldn't agree more. Choice and competition are good for consumers. These days because of what I happen to be working on, it's more Apple that's getting in my way than Microsoft (because of Vulkan vs. Metal). This article raises my hackles, because it is selling a vendor as benign. It's wrongheaded -- skepticism is always appropriate when fundamental interests are at odds.
- kazagistar 7y ago
  Agreed. Embrace, extend, extinguish isn't a warning against Microsoft, it's a warning against a pattern of behavior that any corporation may attempt at any time it seems beneficial and likely to succeed. And it's a warning not about the first step (embracing a technology or standard is purely beneficial), but the second (extending it in proprietary ways for lock in). So keep an eye on every embraced technology of Microsoft and everyone else, and when you see someone extending it in incompatible ways, make sure you have an escape plan. The obvious example these days? Google Chrome.