Hi John,

I agree with what you say ONLY in terms of Microsoft's paradigm for enterprise-wide solutions. Here is where I have a problem.

Microsoft deserves much credit for developing new technologies utilizing DNA, the Internet, etc. However, for the MAJORITY of companies today, these types of applications are not necessary and, at best, would be "overkill solutions".

Granted, there are many entities that can (and should) take full advantage of all that Microsoft has to offer, but only a MINORITY will ever need that kind of scalability and the benefits derived from utilizing multiple tools in Visual Studio.

The MAJORITY of custom business applications written today require only one development tool. Microsoft wants everyone to believe otherwise and has become quite successfull at "stumping" their customers. Here is where the problem lies - people take Microsoft's "Vision" (propaganda) as gospel (MIS Directors, IT Managers, Programmers, the Press, everyone).

I believe that when enough people get burned, they will learn that the best solutions are the simple ones. It has already started to happen. The day is coming when Microsoft will no longer dictate to the market, but accomodate it in terms of what is BEST for their customers. That is the ONLY way Microsoft will be able to survive in the long run, else it will fail.

John, are you one of the "stumped" ones?