I think one of the issues with using Microsoft tools is licensing. The perception around Microsoft is that things can stay cheap (or even free), but at a certa

I think one of the issues with using Microsoft tools is licensing. The perception around Microsoft is that things can stay cheap (or even free), but at a certain point you're going to be expected to shell out the big bucks. From our own experience, we find that Microsoft software sort-of works with other Microsoft software. However, when you want something that isn't MS to work, you're immediately into serious financial outlay. For a start-up, this simply isn't feasible. Even a well-funded start-up has better things to spend their money on than sending it straight to Microsoft's bank account.