Ordinary people don't pay too much attention to software-development tools. And this is just the way Microsoft likes it. Why? Because while the world argues, debates, and even sues over Microsoft's dominance over things like Web browsers and operating systems, it's able to quietly control the hearts, minds, and digital tool chests of the people who create the software we use every day.
And why would Microsoft want to do that? Well, controlling developers--and the tools they use--is just the most insidious way it stamps out competition. Programmers get hooked on Microsoft's tools because they're so easy to use. After that, they tend to use other Microsoft products, too. As time goes on, it becomes more and more difficult for developers to follow a competitor's path.
|