In my opinion, Mono can make for linux what VB made for Windows: offer a simple-to-learn, simpler-to-use development environment, specially for the corporate wo

In my opinion, Mono can make for linux what VB made for Windows: offer a simple-to-learn, simpler-to-use development environment, specially for the corporate world. Many managers prefer to use a "manager-safe choice" like windows/.net to risk on opensource platforms. I think VB was key to the windows commercial success and wide adoption on the mid-90's. Linux didn't had something like that in that time. Many desktop and web apps are being developed on .NET, and the possibility of running them on linux may give it a place it didn't had before. .NET might not be a good choice for a internet startup but it's certainly for corporate and desktop apps. And they can ride over MS marketing pushing the adoption of .NET. Besides, .NET is a pretty good platform and Miguel and the community are doing an amazing job =)