snip>
>
Sure, MS makes a lot more money on SQL Server and NT and all the related requirements, but they also LOSE LOTS OF MONEY which they could reap from those companies which will not spend it on that wide variety of products and skills.

Jim,

You've hit on something here. It's really difficult to motivate a company on profit potential when it is all ready very, very profitable. Attitudes and priorities can be pretty relaxed when the company is in a strong cash position. I have first hand experience in that arena.

I think M$ probably realizes ther is some profit potential in the smaller markets as you have pointed out, but that isn't enough reason to get all excited. They didn't get this big with fools at the helm. OTOH... if there was just a hint of red in that bottom line... who knows?

Bob