Over the last a few days debate has raged about "Microsoft Numbers", started by post titled Microsoft by the numbers. Despite the fact that at times it is easy to let numbers talk if you mention only those favorable to you (where are the Microsoft phone numbers or Nintendo Wii numbers or Google Apps numbers? But I'm digressing although I could continue the problem is not disputing those numbers), one of the key elements that was brought to discussion is "is Microsoft is doing to well why people ignore it and focus on the new kids on the block or devices that are not as widespread?

One reply came from Mary Branscombe in the post "Why do we (love to) hate Microsoft?", to which Tim Anderson comments with a post with the same title. It is true that Microsoft's past aggressive position, its indisputable monopoly status, the amount it is still charging for individual licences and upgrades of Windows (not quite lack the cheap MacOS upgrades), and many other factors including the lack of a clear direction reduce the number of "Fan Boys" compared to most other companies (Google, Apple, and many others).

But there is another factor I haven't seen mentioned. Microsoft is becoming a victim of its own game. While the company is making money on a few core assets, its marketing has always been focused on "the next big thing" more then the current value. This was originally used to push technologies that were far from perfect (next version will fix it). It is also quite clear even today in Microsoft development tool directions, which keep frantically changing giving a sense of instability... but coping with any next big thing anyone else is doing. The problem is that while in the past Microsoft could surpass IBM, Oracle, and other software giants in this game, now some of the others are more on the verge of technologies, which makes it easier to promote them, rather than commenting on the (still impressive) sale numbers of Windows 7.

So what has Delphi to do with all this? If Microsoft is to be believed and the Windows 7 platform is so wealthy compared to any other platform, it is time to get a hand on a copy of Delphi, get some of the New Windows 7 components out of the dust, and start pounding on those to make tomorrow's applications. Like Windows 7, Delphi might be an old-fashioned technology, getting very little media attention, but it is there, has a large community, there are millions of applications written in Delphi being used around the world... and the tool is still by far the best  IDE for native Windows application. Even much better than Microsoft's own offering in this space. 

If there are 150 million computers ready to run Windows 7 applications, there are good chances many Delphi apps will still be developed and used for years to come. Now maybe Microsoft could come up with a Windows 7 application showcase, to see how great the platform is doing... and add a few Delphi apps to the pack. But I'm digressing again.