Actually, it *is* different than Microsoft. Apple controls much more of the system. Hardware, OS, and is very strict on what gets approved for the app store and can kick you out for no reason at any time.

Some companies are starting to fight back back http://www.niemanlab.org/2011/06/the-financial-times-shuns-the-app-store-but-not-the-ipad/comment-page-1/

>No different from Microsoft. It's all about monopoly:
>
>https://www.iflowreader.com/Closing.aspx