Microsoft May Buy Macromedia

[dvduval]

[theregister.co.uk...]

This could have huge implications with compatability as it relates to Microsoft products vs. competitors. I sure hope Linux comes out with a good WYSIWYG editor soon. Also, this could be a real problem for the Java community.

[caine]

IBM has a WYSIWYG for Linux. IBM WebSphere Homepage Builder V4.0 for Linux

If MS buys MM, that will definetly have implications for the development of open-source, but i think if things went the way that they could do, as in addtional backup and arm twisting to MS propriertary systems, then others would come along and fill the void for oss

[curlykarl]

[webmasterworld.com...]

[txbakers]

Microsoft has been lacking in web development tools for a long time, considering the joke that is Front Page and the nonsense HTML generated by Word and Excel, so it really makes sense for MS to do this. MS doesn't have a good graphics program either, so the entire Macromedia Suite would be a great addition to the MS catalogue.

I never really considered Flash to be a J2EE product though. I thought it was interesting to see the article positioning it as such.

If it does happen, it will be a blow to the J2EE platform at the smaller level. The upper levels will still have a battleground. But any mid to small level shop considering a move to JSP or CF will probably stick with ASP.

Another blow to competition I'm afraid.