I read with interest Robert Scoble's 12 reasons Web 2.0 entrepreneurs like Ross tell me that they aren't using Microsoft's stuff. and the comments and trackbacks to the posting. It seems his list is well thought out and complete (but what do I know about the needs of "Web 2.0 entrepreneurs" ?)
"Web 2.0 entrepreneurs" is a pretty narrowly focused group though isn't it?
There is nothing in the "12 Reasons" that Robert posted that indicates any real weakness in Microsoft's general offerings and development tools --except for this particular narrow group of people that happen to be the darlings of the moment. Many of this group are obviously hoping to build the next internet services giant -- the next Google, Yahoo or Ebay. How many will even come close to succeeding? 1%, 5%? How many companies are there in this class of Web 2.0 entrepreneurs - 1000? Are they even important in the grand scheme of things?
There are many more developers and digital entrepreneurs out there that aren't in the apparently narrowly defined "Web 2.0 entrepreneur" class and have different needs. Like sensible "Web 2.0 entrepreneurs" they don't make their choices based on a blind adherence to Open Source or Microsoft but choose their strategies, tools and technology targets for pragmatic, measured reasons.
There is no reason why Microsoft shouldn't do whatever they can to attract this market of "Web 2.0 entrepreneurs"(as long as it is not at the expense of other developers that develop for and are using Microsoft products), but there is no need for Microsoft to get their knickers in a twist chasing them either. Microsoft should not assume that what is good for this class of users is good for others or even themselves.
