>< answering my own question >
>all the little features do add up to a feature-list that they can market...
>< /answering >
Microsoft isn't selling feature - Microsoft is selling "This is the direction we're going - don't get left behind!"

So I am left being behind if I don't retool my entire infrastructure to get "fluffy" .NET controls?

Of course they don't market directly - they do it by suggesting arguments to IT manager's attending REmond buffees.

Microsoft has not presented a vision of the future and how the difference between last years technology and this years technology will bring us to that future. They are selling the suggestion of being left out of the .SomethingOROther revolution. Where's the beef?

Should I pay more for an Oldsmobile that looks just like the Buick I got last year because it has more chrome and costs more and has teflon on the simpson rod.

MS should focus on value by enhancing and selling addons to her current customer base. Don't sell someone a new car when they only need a tune up.

Sell bolt-ons of whatever features .NET has to existing users. Give VFP, VB and Delphi shops something they can resell to their users without completely retooling. They are not going to retool no matter what the MS line is - they have plenty of capacity in their legacy systems. They would - however - if MS can make a case, buy features that would enhance productivty and value to their customers. They will upgrade their legacies. They will, however, resist any attempt to gut their infrastruct and then replace it simply on the advice of an IT manager still burping off bottom of the tray scampi gorged on in Redmond.

I still have not heard what .NET has that represents such a big step forward in the state of technology. THe only thing I have heard about .NET is that it has themed controls and buffet attendees love it! I don't see the beef in .NET.

Maybe MS is looking at our desktops as being appliances for some monstrous object the will look into every cranny of our lives and pocket books - maybe they should change it from .NET to .SAUROMON. It's timeto throw the "ring" back into the fires of mount doom.

>
>Here's where I got a chuckle:
>"Microsoft is also expected to unveil its own anti-virus software following its acquisition of a security firm last year."

I love this one too - the biggest security hole (issue) in the world is IE - that's completely ignored - buy something else - we'll deal with the holes in it latter.

Love ya Bill - listen to your customers and not your marketing people!