Robert - I think you have a US-centric view of the marketplace. Most of Europe and Asia are standardizing on Linux platforms. Microsoft is definitely a contender and is able to throw massive amounts of money around; however, when entire governmental bodies (China, Germany, Italy, etc.) move to Linux platforms, we would be seriously remiss in ignoring the trend. Additionally, there is a reason that Microsoft is concerned about Google.
The software-as-service model is going to become more prevalent in the coming years, not less. Delphi seriously needs an Ajax capability that doesn't tie into a very expensive and proprietary hosting model (read .NET.) While I personally find software that is only available via the Web annoying, I have to admit to being impressed with Yahoo's Mail beta and Google Docs and Spreadsheets. At times, I even forget that they are web-centric. With this type of functionality, the average (non-game playing for now) user could buy a Web only system (using a Transmeta chip or similar) that is able to send and receive e-mail, write their documents and browse the web. Is every app available? Not yet - but none of the ones that are available are written in Delphi (unless it's .NET). m __________________________________________________ Delphi-Talk mailing list -> Delphi-Talk@elists.org http://www.elists.org/mailman/listinfo/delphi-talk
