>Jerry,
>
>>>Mike,
>>>
>>>>>It is IMO a very interesting issue. I suppose we'd need some numbers here. For example, Microsoft has, what, 40,000 +/- employees? How many of these are programmers? I wouldn't have a clue but I know there are a lot of support folks. Let's say 10,000? High or low do you think?
>>>>
>>>>I think thats low. 15,000 seems to jump into my mind for some reason, I must have read that somewhere (or am just remembering something completely un related).
>>>
>>>Really? Interesting that Sylvain thought the number would be lower. I honestly don't know. Perhaps someone here has the numbers and will chime in.
>>>
>>>>
>>>>>The next couple of years will be interesting I'd think. <g>
>>>>
>>>>Defintatley. Whats one thing of many things that holds a platform back? Apps available directly affects its adoption rate.
>>>
>>>Sure.. For Linux there's Star Office and I understand there are others. Still, I think it's a tough sell to replace a Windows shop with Linux desktops. Areas like the Apache server make more sense as they are job/task specific.
>>>
>>>>
>>>>Once again, Microsoft speeds this up by submitting their CLI and C# to the ECMA. With the chance of a cross platform VS.NET on the horizon and the Delphi/Kylyx combo, the applications available for Linux should start to make apps less of an argument.
>>>
>>>Sure.. I'd think that in that case Microsoft would make huge inroads into the Linux wold. Once again they survive by embracing and extending...
>>
>>Except the tide is going the other way, and the tide is escalating.
>
>Well, perhaps but Microsoft has been down this road before remember...

Ya, when their monoply was working at full bore. People are on to them now. Only a payoff will keep their monoply intact.