Doug,

>For me it's just the reality that as a developer I go where the money is. In my thinking process there is no such thing as ascribing moral value to computer software. That is, No one is either a good guy or a bad guy for using or not using any particular manufacturer's software product.

I agree. I go where the $$ is as well - my clients pay me for solutions without regard to the means (tools) to the solution. If expertise is required beyond my capabilities, I'll sub-it-out. For example, I currently have a guy doing a C++ (Borland) DLL for some WinInet stuff.

>Am I understanding you correctly that you are insinuating that becsue someone like myself uses Microsoft products that I have given up the ability to make rational decisions? *g*

Well, your comments to JVP seem to point in that direction; however, we both know you are much too smart for that - right?

Don't get me wrong. Microsoft products have met my needs and I will continue to use them until something better comes along. As I said in my response to JVP, I think there will be alternatives down the road and it will be important to be open to them.